title: Comparison of ultrasensitive methods for the measurement of IgE.
abstract: Because the study of human IgE synthesis and regulation requires exquisitely sensitive and rapidly performed methods for assay of in vitro IgE production, we compared 4 methods for radiometric immunoassay (RIA) of human IgE: double antibody RIA (DARIA), ultrasensitive enzymatic RIA (USERIA), sensitive paper radioimmunosorbent test (SPRIST) and microtiter solid-phase RIA (MSPRIA). IgE protein was measured in serum samples and cord bloods. The USERIA and the MSPRIA consistently detected levels of IgE as low as 27-35 pg/ml. The DARIA and SPRIST were less sensitive. Comparison of the USERIA and the MSPRIA favored the latter because: (1) it is a more rapidly performed assay, (2) it involves fewer manipulations, and (3) it has less variability. We conclude that the MSPRIA for IgE is superior to the other methods both as a research tool for measuring minute quantities of IgE protein (as in tissue culture supernatants) and for measuring IgE in serum samples where concentrations fall below 1 ng/ml (0.42 IU/ml; 1 IU = 2.4 ng).
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis*; D007163:Immunosorbent Techniques; D011863:Radioimmunoassay / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D007073:Immunoglobulin E