Specific IgE determination using the CAP system: comparative evaluation with RAST.
The CAP system's main contribution is its solid phase, which consists of a cellulose polymer activated within a capsule (the ImmunoCAP). This solid phase can bind more protein to it, and, in addition, the conditions of reaction seem to make the system more sensitive at detecting antibodies to certain antigens. It is therefore important to assess the new analytical and diagnostic performance in comparison with previous systems. In this context, we studied the reliability and comparison with the RAST and with skin tests carried out on 144 pediatric patients. Skin tests and specific IgE for radioimmunological RAST (radio-allergosorbent test) and for the fluoroimmunological CAP system were performed on all the patients. The RAST/CAP correlation quotients for the different allergens tested varied between 0.971 and 0.991. Diagnostic sensitivity increased for all the allergens studied and specificity remained unchanged. The system provides reliable results, with better diagnostic capacity than RAST, but it must be quantified for each allergen because its results are not interchangeable.
Alonso
R
R
Pediatric Clinical Immunology and Allergy Department, Vall d'Hebron Maternity and Children's University Hospital, Barcelona.
Botey
J
J
Pena
J M
JM
Eseverri
J L
JL
Marín
A
A
Ras
R M
RM
D000293:Adolescent; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D002482:Cellulose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000592:standards; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis*; D011108:Polymers / Q000592:standards; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test / Q000592:standards; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012882:Skin Tests
D000485:Allergens; D011108:Polymers; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; C005062:acetylcellulose; D002482:Cellulose