Basic diagnostic tests of IgE dependent and contact allergy

Abstract

Allergy is a hypersensitive immune response against non-pathogenic external factors that either enters the body or have a direct contact with the skin or mucosa. Diagnosis of allergy is a complex, multi-stage process in which the main role plays medical history analysis of the disease and its confirmation by additional tests, such as skin tests and allergen-specific IgE serum antibody assays. Skin tests can be used, with variable success, in diagnosis of all allergies. However, they have the greatest significance in diagnosing of contact and inhalation allergies. In the diagnosis of atopic, when skin tests are impossible or their results are not consistent with the interview, measurement of serum IgE levels may be very helpful. Determination of specific antibodies is very important in the diagnosis of allergy to insect venom and latex, it could bring supplementary information to food allergies diagnosis. The choice of method therefore depends on the allergy diagnosis and the current knowledge about the sensitivity, specificity and predictive value of the test used, as well as the data obtained in the medical examination, which remains are basis method in allergy diagnosis.