[Tests for atopic antigens].
It is important to determine what kind of antigen is involved in atopic asthma for appropriate management as well as diagnosis. We can measure total IgE and antigen specific IgE antibodies by means of RIA and EIA in vitro. Antigen specific IgE antibodies can be detected more sensitively by skin tests consisting of intradermal, prick and scratch tests, among which the intradermal test is most sensitive. To study if the antibody thus detected is functional, there are in vivo tests such as the provocation test and eye reaction with the corresponding antigen and in vitro tests such as the histamine release assay and CAST. In Japan we tend to prefer in vitro assays, while the skin test has been recommended more than in vitro assays in the United States.
Ohta
K
K
Second Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine.
D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D000939:Epitopes; D006636:Histamine Release; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D012882:Skin Tests
D000939:Epitopes; D007073:Immunoglobulin E