The ImmunoCAP test results helps identify the patients’ baseline IgE antibody levels. Even allergens found at low levels that do not result in symptoms, should be followed. It also helps evaluate which allergens are the most important for causing symptoms and to follow changes in patients’ IgE profile over time to:
- predict and follow the disease development
- reflect the effect of and compliance with avoidance/reduction
- optimize medical strategies
- evaluate tolerance development (food allergy, specific immunotherapy)
- avoid unnecessary food challenges
Based on thousands of test results, the generic curve above indicates what an allergen-specific IgE antibody value can mean in relation to symptoms. Although a final diagnosis should always be based on the physicians’ overall picture of the situation, a general rule of thumb is that the higher the IgE antibody value, the greater the likelihood of symptoms appearing.
References
- Söderström L et al. A further evaluation of the clinical use of Specific IgE antibody testing in allergic diseases. Allergy 2003;58:921-8
- Sampson HA. Utility of food-specific IgE concentrations in predicting symptomatic food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2001;107:891-6