SPECIFIC IGE DETERMINATION USING THE CAP SYSTEM - COMPARATIVE-EVALUATION WITH RAST

The CAP system's main contribution is its solid phase, which consists of a cellulose polymer activated within a capsule (the ImmunoCAP). Thi s solid phase can bind more protein to it, and, in addition, the condi tions of reaction seem to make the system more sensitive at detecting antibodies to certain antigens. It is therefore important to assess th e new analytical and diagnostic performance in comparison with previou s systems. In this context, we studied the reliability and comparison with the PAST and with skin tests carried out on 144 pediatric patient s. Skin tests and specific IgE for radioimmunological PAST (radio-alle rgasorbent test) and for the fluoroimmunological CAP system were perfo rmed on all the patients. The RAST/CAP correlation quotients for the d ifferent allergens tested varied between 0.971 and 0.991. Diagnostic s ensitivity increased for all the allergens studied and specificity rem ained unchanged. The system provides reliable results, with better dia gnostic capacity than PAST but it must be quantified for each allergen because its results are not interchangeable.