Radioallergosorbent test

Radioallergosorbent test (R.A.S.T.) is a blood test used to determine the substances a subject is allergic to. This is different from a skin allergy test, which determines allergy by the reaction of a person's skin to different substances.

Procedure

The Radioallergosorbent test is a blood test that uses radioimmunoassay test to detect specific IgE antibodies, to determine the substances a patient is allergic to. The RAST test is used when skin testing for allergies is not possible.

Uses

The RAST test was once used to test for type I allergies. It has been largely replaced by more accurate, less expensive, and safer methods of allergy testing. The RAST test is now rarely used in clinical settings.

History

The RAST test was developed by Pharmacia Diagnostics AB in Uppsala, Sweden, and introduced into clinical practice in 1974. The term RAST is actually a brand name, but it is often used generically to describe similar tests that aren't actually the original Pharmacia RAST test.

See also

• Allergy
• Immunoglobulin E
• Skin allergy test