What is the RAST test?
A. RAST (radioallergosorbent test) is a test used to measure the number of IgE antibodies in the blood for a specific allergen. The suspected allergen, attached to a small paper disk, is added to a sample of blood. If one is allergic to the allergen, antibodies specific for that allergen will be present in the blood and will attach to the allergen. Radioactive iodine-tagged antihuman IgE antibody is then added, and binds to the allergen-antibody complex. The disk is washed, and the radioactivity precisely measured. Most allergists do not use the RAST as a primary diagnosis test for allergy because it is less sensitive than conventional skin tests, and is more expensive. Q. Will my seven-year-old daughter “outgrow” her allergies? A. No, but it is true that some allergies may be less severe at certain times in life. However, many children are denied important medical care when they are young in the hope that their allergies will improve or go away spontaneously. Not treating your child’s
