An inhibition method utilizing the laser nephelometer to measure human specific "blocking antibodies"

Allergen specific blocking antibodies were measured in antopic patients undergoing allergen immunotherapy by three methods--(1) passive hemagglutination of red cells, (2) radioimmunoprecipitation (Farr Technique) and (3) a new inhibition method utilizing a laser nephelometer. The laser inhibition method was more sensitive than passive hemagglutination but less sensitive than radioimmunoprecipitation. The use of the nephelometer to measure blocking antibodies offers an alternative, when use of radioactive materials is not practical.