[Diagnosis of type I hypersensitivity by laboratory test]

ABSTRACT

Type I hypersensitivity is a major problem in public health, often requiring numerous investigations which aim to diagnose atopy and identify the causative allergen. Among these investigations, several blood tests,mostly using immunoenzymatic methods,can be performed to measure total and specific IgE levels. Type I hypersensitivity can also be investigated with assays which quantitate several mediators released after cellular activation induced by allergens