Question

In a clinical setting, the degree of sensitivity to a particular allergen is often determined by the patient's complaints and by the extent of skin test reactions. A more quantitative assay that correlates with clinical symptoms is needed. What is an example of a test that meets these criteria?

ELISA
RAST
PCR
IEF
SDS-PAGE

Answer 1

A quantitative test for determining sensitivity to allergens in a clinical setting is the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), which measures the allergen-specific IgE levels in the patient's blood and provides a more accurate diagnosis when compared to traditional skin testing methods.

So, the correct answer is 1) ELISA.

Step-by-step explanation:

In clinical settings, the quantification of an individual's sensitivity to allergens can be carried out using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This highly sensitive technique measures the amount of IgE antibody in the blood specific to the allergen of interest. During the test, antigens are attached to a solid surface, and if the patient's serum contains IgE antibodies specific to those antigens, they will bind together, and this reaction is then measured. The ELISA results correlate with clinical allergy symptoms, offering a quantitative assay to complement the qualitative skin test results.

Type I hypersensitivities are diagnosed using a combination of patient history and various diagnostic tests. Allergy skin testing is a common approach, where allergen extracts are introduced into the skin and observed for a wheal and flare response. However, ELISA serves as a quantitative complement to these tests, providing a measurable confirmation of the allergen-specific IgE levels in the patient's serum, hence aiding in a more accurate diagnosis.

So, the correct answer is 1) ELISA.