The diagnosis of IgE-mediated allergy is based on the confirmation of a typical history of allergic symptoms with diagnostic tests. In vivo and in vitro tests are used in the diagnosis to detect free or cell-bound IgE, the major isotype of anaphylactic antibodies. The diagnosis of allergy has been improved by allergen standardisation, which provides satisfactory extracts for both in vivo and in vitro tests for most inhalant allergens, and the introduction of recombinant allergens. Nasal, bronchial and conjunctival challenge tests are used in research and to a lesser extent in clinical practice, but they may be particularly important in the diagnosis of occupational allergies. They deserve a special chapter.
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Prof. Dr. Pascal Demoly MD, PhD
Exploration des Allergies - Maladies Respiratoires et INSERM, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, University Hospital of Montpellier, France.