A laboratory test to rule in or rule out atopy in patients with allergy-like symptoms. ImmunoCAP provides a clinically relevant means of confirming or excluding the presence of atopic disease in patients with upper respiratory disease. These allergy-like symptoms are very difficult to differentiate. ImmunoCAP will also accurately identify specific allergen sensitivities in patients with confirmed allergy.
This in vitro quantitative assay measures allergen specific IgE in human serum. It is intended for in vitrodiagnosis use as an aid in the clinical diagnosis of IgE mediated allergic disorders in conjunction with other clinical findings. ImmunoCAP assays can be performed on hundreds of allergens such as weeds, trees, pollens, mold, food, and animal dander.
Causes of nasal symptoms associated with upper respiratory disease (URD) can range from aspirin intolerance to pregnancy. The exact etiology of allergy-like symptoms is often difficult to determine definitively. The origin could be allergic, bacterial, viral, or pathological and is virtually impossible to establish with an empirical assessment alone. Compounding this, consumer awareness is at an all-time high. Patients often come in with a pre-determined self-diagnosis and request for therapy. History and physical are important, but further inquiry is often necessary to provide an evidence-based diagnosis and treatment regimen. ImmnoCAP Specific IgE blood test can definitively rule in or rule out atopic disease as the cause of or contributing factor to these symptoms. Once a definitive diagnosis is reached, regardless of the presence or absence of atopy, appropriate treatment options can be employed. When atopy proves to be a factor in URD, avoidance is considered the primary therapeutic approach by all leading professional allergy associations. This test can identify the specific causative allergens.
The technology used in ImmunoCAP is a vast improvement over earlier blood allergy testing (RAST®). In fact, ImmunoCAP has recently been cleared by the FDA to provide quantitative measurement of IgE. This means ImmunoCAP can quantitatively and accurately determine if patients are allergic and exactly what they are allergic to. A recent study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology demonstrated that ImmunoCAP is the standard for accuracy and reliability for quantitative IgE testing.
The basis of the innovative ImmunoCAP technology is a cellulose polymer in a plastic reserve. This unique technology provides high binding capacity of clinically relevant allergen proteins, including those present in very low levels. This provides both accurate results and increased sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility, equaling the most advanced in vitro allergy testing available today.
Your daily practice routinely includes patients who present with URD: rhinitis, sinusitis, and allergic rhinitis. The source of their symptoms may be viral, bacterial, or allergic, making definitive diagnosis an essential step in determining appropriate treatment. Allergy awareness among the general population is at an all-time high, and patients and clinicians want to get to the cause of respiratory distress. Now more than ever, URD management is an important part of the primary care practice. ImmunoCAP provides quantitative evidence that clearly demonstrates the appropriateness and value of your patients treatment plan. The right treatment decisions, based on clinical evidence, mean appropriate use of antibiotics, antihistamines, and intranasal steroids, fewer repeat office visits, and fewer unnecessary referrals.
Anyone presenting with nasal or other allergy-like symptoms is a candidate for specific IgE testing. However, ImmunoCAP Specific IgE blood test should be strongly considered for patients with -
The test can be run on patients of any age and regardless of skin condition. There is no need to stop current medications prior to drawing a blood sample.