Intended for healthcare professionals

RAST – what it is and when to use it

Catherine Stroud and Gavin Spickett
A diagnosis of type I (IgE mediated) allergy is made by the clinical history and confirmed by a combination of in vivo and in vitro investigations. Symptoms are highly variable, ranging from rhinitis, conjunctivitis and urticaria to shortness of breath, laryngeal oedema, hypotension and anaphylaxis. One of the useful tests available for type I allergy is the radioallergosorbent test, which measures specific IgE to an allergen. Other types of allergic reaction (types II, III and IV) are not mediated via IgE and therefore this form of testing is not appropriate.
Dermatology in practice 2001; 9(2): 22–25
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Dermatology in practice was previously supported by Wyeth from 2008 to 2010, by Wyeth and Serono in 2007, by Wyeth and Shire from 2005 to 2006, by Medlock Medical in 2004 and by SSL International from 2001 to 2003.

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