Description
Allergy testing can be an imprecise science. Our currently available tests include skin prick tests, measurement of specific IgE and direct challenges. However in certain clinical situations such as drug or food additive allergy, they are not always available or may be contraindicated. A number of in vitro assays are currently available for the investigation of suspected allergic disease. They are based on the release of mediators from basophils and use either enzyme immunoassay or flow cytometry as test systems. This paper reviews the currently available evidence for the diagnostic utility of functional tests for allergic disease, incorporating our own experience with these techniques. Despite their limitations these in vitro assays may have a future role in the diagnosis of drug allergy.
