Allergen-Based Diagnostic: Novel and Old Methodologies with New Approaches

Abstract

This chapter is an extensive review of allergen-based diagnostic methodologies including old techniques such as skin prick test, radio-allergo sorbent test, enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay, and fluorescent-enzyme immunosorbent assay. Novel technologies include functional tests by flow cytometry and molecular allergy based on multiplex immunoassays. We also review the importance of biochemical charac- teristics of allergens, sensitivity and specificity, cross-reaction between allergens, util- ity, reproducibility, interpretation, and methodologies for discovery of epitopes for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Keywords: allergens, skin prick test, RAST, ELISA, FEIA, ISAC, FACS, BAT, flow cytometry, antigen-antibody reaction, diagnostic