A new method for IgE detection in nasal mucosa

Abstract

A new method for determining IgE antibodies on mucosal surfaces has been developed with the purpose of overcoming the main problems of nasal secretion sampling and standardization. The method is based on the principle of performing the incubation of the solid-phase coupled allergen with IgE antibody directly on the mucosal surface by means of a proper applicator. About two times higher values of specific IgE have been obtained with 5 min incubation on septal mucosa, behind the internal ostium, than with 3 hr in-vitro incubation with native secretion. In a study of 53 children with allergic rhinitis and asthma and 10 healthy non-atopic controls the sensitivity and specificity of this new method were evident. Because of its reliability and easy execution the new method could be widely used in diagnosis of allergic disease. Further, it seems to offer a good opportunity to study the IgE-mediated reaction in the target organ more extensively.