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Allergen-specific IgE antibody test
An allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test, commonly often referred to as radioallergosorbent test (RAST®) is a type of blood test that can help determine if a patient who experiences allergy symptoms, such as runny nose, watery eyes and hives, is allergic to particular substances called allergens.The in vitro test (performed outside of the body, in a laboratory setting) exposes a blood sample to suspected allergens (like dust mites, pollen or animal dander) to determine whether the patient has developed allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that recognize and bind to specific antigens (foreign substances in the body).
The test is used to diagnose Type I allergic reactions. Type I allergic reactions involve IgE, which is specific for a particular drug, antigen or other allergen that triggers the allergic reaction. The allergen binds to the immunoglobulin on specific immune cells known as basophils and mast cells. This binding results in the release of chemicals that cause inflammation in the body within 30 minutes of exposure to the allergen. Inflammatory chemicals including histamine, serotonin, proteases, bradykinin generating factor, chemotactic factors (molecules that stimulate the immune response), leukotrienes, prostaglandins and thromboxanes are released. These chemical mediators cause symptoms associated with allergies such as hives, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, wheezing or itching. Type I allergic reactions are often triggered by food (like peanuts, shellfish and milk), drugs (like penicillin), inhaled allergens (like dust, pollen and pet dander), latex and insect venom (bees, wasps, etc.).
The test may also be conducted to monitor immunotherapy (allergy shots) or to determine whether an individual has outgrown an allergy.
The antibody test is less accurate than a skin test. However, if the patient has a severe skin disease (like eczema or psoriasis) that is present on large areas of skin on the arms or back, a skin test may not be possible. This is because the skin test may only be performed on the arms and back, and there may not be enough unaffected skin to perform a conclusive test. For these patients, an allergen-specific IgE test is the preferred diagnostic method.
Related Terms
Allergen, allergic, allergic reaction, allergic response allergy, allergy test, allergosorbent, antibodies, antibody, antigen, basophils, blood test, bradykinin, chemical mediators, chemotactic factors, generating factor, histamine, Ig, IgE, immune, immune cells, immune defense system, immune system, immunoglobulin, immunoglobulin E, inflammation, in vitro test, leukocytes, leukotrienes, mast cells, prostaglandins, proteases, radioallergosorbent, serotonin, skin test, thromboxanes, Type I allergic reaction, white blood cells.
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