The VIDAS Stallertest: a clinical and biological evaluation of a new screening test for hypersensitivity to airborne allergens.

"VIDAS Stallertest" is a new screening test for breathing allergy. It allow s the detection of 10 different lung specific allergens including domestic acarids (DI), pollents (G3, Wb, W21, T3 and T9), pets dander (El and E2), m oulds (Mb), cockroach (16). The method is an immunoenzymatic reaction that contains a cartridge and a cone that is cover with the allergen's mixture a nd is automated on the VIDAS system. The results are compared to various sk in tests analyzed by instantaneous reading for 102 patients, "VIDAS Staller test", shows an excellent agreement (93%) with the allergic patients as wel l as with those that are not. The specificity of the new screening test is very high (91%). A comparative study between "VIDAS Stallertest" and "Phadi atop" performed on 155 consultants in allergist office shows a correlation of 93%, a sensitivity and a specificity of 91 and 95%, respectively. "VIDAS Stallertest" is a reliable method in first intention for the general pract itioner who faces a putative breathing allergy. Moreover, this is an excell ent biological check-up for a questionable or negative skin test.