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.
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seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis (hay fever)
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perennial rhinoconjunctivitis
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anaphylaxis
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acute urticaria with angio-oedema
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food allergy (with suspected trigger)
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drug allergy (with suspected trigger)
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suspected allergy to insect stings.
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IGE (Total and Allergen Specific) measurement: Discussion
© 2009 Dr Stuart Smellie, all rights reserved.