24. The in vitro diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergic diseases is useful in the
identification of the causative allergen(s) and usually involves different
laboratory procedures. In particular:
•The total IgE assay which is nonspecific and provides only gross
information.
•Serum specific IgE assays against allergen sources/molecules are the most
commonly used in vitro diagnostic approach. They can be performed by a
singleplexed or multiplexed strategy.
•The Basophil Activation Test (BAT) which is quite specific, but complex to
perform, and therefore limited to selected situations.
KKR1116 24