[Efficiency of mixed RASTs in serological screening of possibly allergic patients].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the age distribution of results of serological allergy screening using mixed-allergen radioallergoabsorbent tests (RASTs), and to determine the cost-effectiveness of mix RASTs.


METHODS
Retrospective.


METHODS
University Hospital of Rotterdam; Dijkzigt Hospital and Sophia Children's Hospital, the Netherlands.


METHODS
An analysis was made of the results of all determinations requested in a period of 3 years with use of the CAP Phadiatop test (aimed at IgE against a mixture of inhalant allergens) and the CAP f x 5 food mix test (aimed at IgE against a mixture of food allergens).


RESULTS
The CAP Phadiatop test was positive most strongly and most frequently in patients aged 7 to 30 years. From the age of 2 years, there was a sharp rise of the number of positive CAP Phadiatop tests, but IgE against inhalant allergens was also found in over 10% of the children aged 0 and 1 year. Up to and including the age category of 6 years, over one-third of the sera submitted had a positive CAP f x 5 food mix test. From a budget point of view, preliminary screening with a mix RAST is the more advantageous the lower the allergy prevalence and the higher the mean number of CAP-RASTs to be requested per serum.


CONCLUSIONS
A substantial saving of laboratory costs can be achieved by having mix RASTs such as CAP Phadiatop and CAP f x 5 food mix tests precede determinations of specific IgE against separate allergens; these savings will be the higher the smaller the proportion of positive results and the higher the mean number of separate RASTs to be requested per serum.
van Toorenenbergen
A W
AW
Academisch Ziekenhuis Rotterdam-Dijkzigt.
van Dijk
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D009426:Netherlands; D011852:Radioallergosorbent Test / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
Doelmatigheid van mengsel-RASTs bij oriënterend serologisch onderzoek van patiënten met een mogelijke allergie.