Alternative name/Profile |
Allergy, Allergies, Allergen, Allergens, Hypersensitivity, RAST, EXAL, AWAY, REFER, sIgE |
Notes |
Useful for:
- Determining which allergens are responsible for the signs and symptoms of Allergic Disease.
Clinical Information:
- Specific IgE antibodies against foreign antigens can form as part of the normal immune responce.
- Consequently the presence of specific IgE antibodies indicate exposure to an antigen.
- IgE antibodies cause Allergic Disease by sensitising mast and basophil cells, causing them to release pro-inflammatory mediators in the presence of an allergen.
- There are numerous allergens available for testing, however the choice of allergen requested shoud be clinically led. This includes; clinical history, the season of the year and clinical manifestations.
Please Note:
- The choice of allergen test request should primarily be clinically led and results should be interpreted within the clinical context.
- As there are numerous allergens available for testing, requests for more than three allergens are reviewed, and may be limited, to reduce the incidence of inappropriate test requesting.
- Additional allergens that are unavailable in-house can be referred to the Protein Reference Unit & Immunology Department, Laboratory Medicine Building, North Lane, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU.
- Positive tests for specific allergens indicate exposure to allergen but do not necessarily correlate with symptoms of allergy. Raised Total IgE may also be found in parasitic diseases, Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis, and Hyper-IgE Syndrome.
- For further information concerning allergy and allergy investigation please see the 'Related links' below.
- Where External Institiutions cannot guarantee immediate delivery, samples must be centrifuged, separated and stored at 4oC. Samples can then be transported, as soon as possible, to St. James's Hospital for processing.
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