Component resolved testing for allergic sensitization

Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2010 Sep;10(5):340-8. doi: 10.1007/s11882-010-0133-z.

Abstract

Component resolved diagnostics introduces new possibilities regarding diagnosis of allergic diseases and individualized, allergen-specific treatment. Furthermore, refinement of IgE-based testing may help elucidate the correlation or lack of correlation between allergenic sensitization and allergic disease. Novel tools to predict severe outcomes and to plan for allergen-specific treatment are necessary, and because only a small amount of blood is needed to test for a multitude of allergens and allergenic components, component resolved diagnostics is promising. A drawback is the risk of overdiagnosis and misinterpretation of the complex results of such tests. Also, the practical use and selection of allergenic components need to be evaluated in large studies including well-characterized patients and healthy, sensitized controls and with representation of different geographical regions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allergens / immunology
  • Cross Reactions
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity / therapy
  • Immunization
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Proteins / immunology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Skin Tests / methods*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Plant Extracts
  • Plant Proteins
  • Immunoglobulin E