In vitro testing for allergy diagnosis.

The measurement of specific IgE antibodies has progressed so that highly reproducible, accurate, and quality-controlled tests are available [62]. These tests can certainly assist all physicians in evaluating allergic problems and are likely to be used widely in the future. Continued research is allowing the refinement of these tests as well as increasing the understanding of allergens and allergic disease. In vitro testing techniques are major assets to allergy care. Either in vitro or skin methods are appropriate modalities for the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis [45]. When the merits of the allergy skin test and in vitro tests for diagnosis of specific allergens are compared, the following statements are considered to be correct at this time: 1. Optimally performed skin tests and in vitro tests detect IgE E antibody accurately and reproducibly. 2. Results of both tests correlate equally well with allergic signs and symptoms produced by exposure to the specifically tested allergen. 3. Both tests can be used as grounds for instituting avoidance therapy and immunotherapy efficiently and economically.