BetterTesting.org | When should I request allergen-specific IgE (RAST)?

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Antenatal testing

IGE (Total and Allergen Specific) measurement

When should I request total IgE in general practice?

When should I request allergen-specific IgE (RAST)?

IGE (Total and Allergen Specific) measurement: Discussion

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These reviews were published in the Journal of Clinical Pathology and a supporting series of cases in the British Medical Journal. See Authors and acknowledgments.

> Home > Topics > Allergy > IGE (Total and Allergen Specific) measurement

When should I request allergen-specific IgE (RAST)?

We recommend allergen specific IgE measurement in the presence of clinical suspicion of type 1 IgE mediated hypersensitivity/allergy, principally for inhaled antigens. There is no need to request total IgE when requesting RAST.

•seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis (hay fever)

•perennial rhinoconjunctivitis

•anaphylaxis

•acute urticaria with angio-oedema

•food allergy (with suspected trigger)

•drug allergy (with suspected trigger)

•suspected allergy to insect stings.

•IGE (Total and Allergen Specific) measurement: Discussion