Mediators of allergy, such as leukotrienes or histamine are produced and/or secreted upon contact of allergen with IgE molecules on specialized cells such as basophils and mast cells. In contrast to histamine, leukotrienes are also synthesized and released in the case of the pseudo-allergies, reactions resembling allergy, but without involvement of any IgE molecules.

CAST^® ELISA the Cellular Allergen Stimulation Test, can also be considered as an in vitro allergy provocation test. The collected patient’s leukocyte blood fraction will be exposed in vitro to the suspected specific allergen. After incubation the cellular supernatant will be tested for the de novo synthesis of sulfidoleukotrienes by a highly specific ELISA.

Not only enables this test the detection of IgE-mediated allergies, but also the pseudo-allergies. This latter kind of allergy is best known for Aspirin (ASA) and other non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and various other drugs or food additives.

• Instruction for use*
• Technical Information

Main applications for the CAST^® ELISA

The CAST® assays can be used for the confirmation of any IgE mediated allergy with controversial results from classical testing (anamnese, skin testing, spec. IgE). Further information about specific fields of allergy ask for independent testing on Cellular Allergy.