Immunoblotting technique: a new accurate in vitro test for detection of allergen-specific IgE in allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is the most common manifestation of an atopic reaction to inhaled allergen. It accounts for 80% of rhinitis in children and 30% in adults. The objective of the study is to evaluate the presence of serum-specific IgE to a variety of common allergens using a new immunoblotting technique in order to detect the specific allergen causing allergic rhinitis. The study included 32 patients with allergic rhinitis (20 females and 12 males) with age ranging from 15 to 60 years. Measurement of specific IgE by immunoblotting technique was performed to patients with positive skin test. Overall diagnostic performance of immunoblot test in comparison to skin test in detection of all studied allergens showed 56.1% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, 100.0% positive predictive value, 93.9% negative predictive value and 94.4% diagnostic accuracy. It may help in proper diagnosis and determination of the specific causative allergen through an easy and inexpensive way.