Healing Aids... - Testing - Immunoglobulins Testing

Various blood tests are available to measure the presence of one or more immunoglobulins (IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, IgM) or antibodies in the blood, and include Enzyme-Linked Immunoadsorbent Assay (ELISA), MAST, PRIST, Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST), and others.

RAST detects the presence of allergen-specific serum IgE. A known allergen is mixed with the serum and then observed for any antibody reaction. If a reaction occurs, it is concluded that an allergy may exist. RAST does not detect non-allergenic food reactions and is often associated with a high rate of false negative readings. This technique is generally problematic when attempting to determine allergies related to migraines and irritable bowel syndrome.

To overcome this limitation, a number of testing variations exist, including ELISA, MAST, and PRIST, which may provide more accurate results. The ELISA test, in particular, is able to measure IgG4 antibodies, which produces allergic symptoms. Allergens that do not bind to IgE antibodies may bind to IgG4 instead.