title: [The 'memory lymphocyte immunostimulation assay' (MELISA) is useless for the detection of metal allergy].
abstract: For the past several years, there has been an advertising campaign, especially focused on dentists, to promote the so-called 'memory lymphocyte immunostimulation assay' (MELISA) for the detection of metal allergy. A study of the sparse scientific literature reveals that, as a consequence of the high number of false-positive results, this test is of no use for the diagnosis of metal allergy. Moreover, the claims of the developers of the test that metal allergy plays a role in several immune-mediated diseases, metabolic diseases and neurological or mental disorders are not based on sound scientific evidence.
authors.forename: R A P
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Koene
mesh_terms: D005189:False Positive Reactions; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D008670:Metals / Q000009:adverse effects; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
chemical_list: D008670:Metals