A comparison of two RAST methods and skin prick testing in the diagnosis of wasp venom allergy

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
With the aim of evaluating the correlation between skin prick test and two radioallergosorbent tests (RAST) using paper (P-RAST) and Al (OH)3 (Al-RAST) as sorbent materials, 45 consecutive patients known to have been stung by wasp within 6 months were examined. Four patients had a normal reaction, four a large local reaction and 37 a systemic reaction. We found a good correlation between a systemic reaction and a positive P-RAST. Fifty-one per cent of patients with a systemic reaction had a negative Al-RAST, whereas only 8% had a negative P-RAST. Eight per cent of patients with a systemic reaction had a negative SPT. In the eight patients without a systemic reaction, the same patient reacted positively in Al-RAST and P-RAST.