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While serological
detection of allergen-specific IgE antibodies is a common approach
to in vitro allergy detection, the determination of such
antibodies merely indicates that the patient has been sensitized
to a given allergen and has developed IgE antibodies against it.
Such a test does not necessarily demonstrate that the patient will
release mediators which actually cause the allergic reaction when
confronted with that allergen. Furthermore, allergic or
pseudo-allergic reactions due to mechanisms other than IgE remain
undetected.
Recent improvements in flow cytometric technology along with the
discovery of cell activation markers such as CD63 have created new
opportunities for flow cytometry in the detection of allergies.
Flow-CAST® Basophil Activation Test is a highly reliable flow
cytometry technique utilizing these advances, offering high
sensitivity and selectivity for the determination of basophil
activation. Flow-CAST® has had particular success in
detecting reactions to drugs, and can be utilized to detect IgE
mediated allergies and pseudo-allergies.
Flow-CAST® Basophil Activation Test is able to detect both IgE and
non-IgE related reactions because it identifies the basophil
surface marker CD63 or gp53 (glycoprotein of 53 kDa) by means of
flow cytometry. After stimulation of the pre-enriched leukocytes
with Stimulation Buffer, positive control, and allergen, the
basophils start to degranulate. As a consequence of this
degranulation, the CD63 antigen is exposed on the surface of
positively reacting basophils. These CD63 positive basophils will
be detected as positive allergic reactions when exposed to the
double staining reagent.
Head to Head studies have demonstrated that
Flow-CAST® Basophil Activation Test has better sensitivity than allergen-specific IgE
determinations with comparable specificity. In a recent study
comparing Flow-CAST® Basophil Activation Test to CAP IgE testing
for detection of betalactam allergy, Flow-CAST® had both greater sensitivity and
specificity. In another study comparing Flow-CAST® Basophil
Activation Test to Histamine Release Tests for the detection of
latex allergies, Flow-CAST® again exhibited higher sensitivity
with outstanding specificity.
By testing isolated leukocytes instead of whole blood, Flow-CAST®
Basophil Activation Test ensures a greater and more consistent
basophil recovery, more precise gating, and minimizes potential
interference with serum components. It is a relatively quick
technique, allowing results to be obtained within a few hours of
blood sampling and with few laboratory manipulations. Flow-CAST®
Basophil Activation Test employs methods and technology already
used in most laboratories and hence does not typically require the
acquisition of new equipment or techniques.
Flow-CAST® Basophil Activation Test has been used successfully all
over the world for the detection of basophil activation using many
different allergens. Over 100 different allergens are available
from ALPCO Diagnostics and are specially produced for use in this
assay, but novel allergens can be used as well. Available
allergens include:
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Latex
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Mites and Insects
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Pollen from grass,
weeds, trees
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Drugs like
analgesics, antibiotics, and anesthetics
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Food/Food Additive
For a complete list of allergens:
Who may benefit from
utilizing Flow-CAST® Basophil Activation Test?
Scientists in many industries have utilized Flow-CAST® Basophil
Activation Test to detect basophil activation for a variety of
applications. Examples include:
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Diagnosis of
IgE-mediated allergies
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Diagnosis of
pseudo-allergies (non-IgE mediated)
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Pediatric allergy
testing
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Detection of food
allergies
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Detection of drug
allergies
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Monitoring
immunotherapy
To learn more about
Flow-CAST® Basophil Activation Test click here:
For Flow-CAST
References click here:
CONTACT INFORMATION
Call to find out
how to receive
20%
off your first order of CAST®
Leukotriene ELISA or for protocols, or pricing, please call
1-800-592-5726 x 222..
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