ImmunoCAP Specific IgE

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The fact that specific IgE antibodies are associated with allergic disease is well established. Specific IgE antibodies appears in human serum or plasma as a result of sensitization to an allergen and can be detected following exposure.

However, development of symptoms in the individual patient is the result of complex interactions between allergens, IgE antibodies, other parts of the immune system and other factors that influence the response in the various target organs.
 
ImmunoCAP Specific IgE is an in vitro test, which measures the concentration of circulating, allergen-specific IgE antibodies in human serum or plasma and by that provides an objective measurement of the sensitization to the allergen. ImmunoCAP allergens allow quantitative measurements of a wide range of specificities representing all or the individual allergenic components of an allergen source. Today over 550 different allergens are available for determinations.
Determinations of the presence and also the levels of specific IgE antibodies are useful and objective tools in the diagnosis of IgE mediated allergy. It helps identify provoking allergens and predict the risk of developing allergy in the future, and guides clinical decisions (1-6).

References:

    1. Yunginger JW et al. Quantitative IgE antibody assays in allergic diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:1077-84.
    2. Williams PB. Usefulness of specific IgE antibody tests: a progess report. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2003;91:518-24.
    3. Dolen WK. Allergy Review Series X: Progress in diagnosis of allergy in vitro. IgE antibody in the serum – detection and diagnostic significance. Allergy 2003;58:717-23.
    4. Sasai K, Furukawa S, Muto T, Baba M, Yabuta K, Fukuwatari Y. Early detection of specific IgE antibody against house dust mite in children at risk of allergic disease. J Pediatr 1996;128:834-840.
    5. Saarinen M, Kajosaari M. Breastfeeding as prophylaxis against atopic disease: prospective follow-up study until 17 years old. Lancet 1995;346:1065-1069.
    6. Sigurs N, Hattevig G, Kjellman B, Kjellman N-I M, Nilsson L, Björkstén B. Appearance of atopic disease in relation to serum IgE antibodies in children followed up from birth for 4 to 15 years. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1994;94:757-763