Use of the radioallergosorbent test for the study of coelenterate toxin-specific immunoglobulin E

The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) was adapted for use to screen the immune response to sea nettle (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) and Protuguese man-o'-war (Physalia physalis) toxins. The results of a preliminary screening of serum from patients varying in their reaction to envenomations indicate the potential of these toxin proteins to induce an allergic state in humans and illustrate the use of the RAST as a screening device to detect persons sensitive to coelenterate stings.