Standardization of allergens by an improved skin-testing technique

Area of Science:

• Allergen extract standardization
• Immunological testing methods

Background:

• Established methods for allergen extract standardization include skin tests, histamine-release tests, and radio-allergosorbent tests.
• Skin tests are widely used globally but are poorly studied, despite providing valuable clinical information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate and compare the efficacy of different methods for standardizing allergen extracts.
• To assess the variability and reliability of the atopic skin test in allergen extract standardization.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of atopic skin tests, histamine-release tests (using human basophil cells), and radio-allergosorbent tests.
• Investigation of factors influencing skin test variability, including diurnal changes, menstrual cycle, and medication.
• Development and application of a perfected skin testing methodology.

Main Results:

• The study acknowledges uncertainty regarding the most accurate standardization method, with sophisticated techniques used in newer tests.
• Significant drawbacks of skin tests include a small log-dose response line inclination and considerable result variability.
• Despite influencing factors, a perfected skin testing method reduced bioassay variability to within +/- 50% in 16 experiments with small volunteer groups.

Conclusions:

• While newer laboratory methods are sophisticated, the widely used skin test offers valuable clinical data.
• Perfected skin testing methodologies can mitigate inherent variability, making it a viable option for allergen extract standardization.
• Further research is needed to definitively establish the most accurate method for allergen extract standardization.