Do levels of results correlate to increased severity of symptoms?
Interpretation: The higher the response value, the more specific IgE is present in the sample. A high or low specific IgE level may not necessarily correlate to the degree of symptom severity, as each person’s symptomatic threshold varies. In different patients and on different occasions, the relationship between sensitization, inflammation, and hyperresponsiveness may be substantially different, leading to very heterogeneous patterns of clinical symptoms. Infections and treatment may also influence the sensitization process and the presence of symptoms. (Mediators in Allergy Diagnosis, Ahlstedt, S., 98063.RP) A definitive clinical diagnosis should not be based on the results of any single diagnostic method, but should be made by the physician only after all clinical and laboratory findings have been evaluated.
