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Molecular Allergy Diagnostics Using IgE Singleplex Assays: Methodological and Practical Considerations

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Molecular Allergy Diagnostics

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Abstract

Allergen molecules (synonyms: single allergens, allergen components) open up new horizons for the targeted allergen-specific diagnostics of immunoglobulin E (IgE) using singleplex assays. Two rationales support the targeted use of allergen molecules and, more importantly, improve test properties: (1) increased assay sensitivity (“analytical sensitivity”), particularly when important allergens are underrepresented or lacking in the extract, and (2) improved test selectivity (analytical specificity), particularly when the selected IgE repertoire against an allergen yields additional information on potential risk, possible cross-reactivity, or primary (species-specific) sensitization. However, the appropriate indication for the use of single allergens can only be established on a case-by-case basis and in an allergen-specific manner. Thus, molecular allergology is based on both conceptual and detailed knowledge. The general methodological and practical concepts of molecular allergology and their application in clinical routine form the subject of this chapter.

The present chapter is based on, and modified from, an article by the authors that appeared in 2015 in Allergo Journal International (Kleine-Tebbe J, Jakob T: Molecular allergy diagnostics using IgE singleplex determinations: methodological and practical consideration for the use in clinical practice. Allergo J Int 2015;24:185–197. doi: 10.1007/s40629-015-0057-1).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Allergy & Asthma Center Westend, Outpatient Clinic Hanf, Ackermann & Kleine-Tebbe, Berlin, Germany

    J. Kleine-Tebbe MD, Prof.

  2. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Giessen (UKGM), Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany

    T. Jakob MD, Prof.

  3. Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    R. G. Hamilton MD, Prof.

  4. Johns Hopkins Dermatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Reference Laboratory, Baltimore, MD, USA

    R. G. Hamilton MD, Prof.

  5. Johns Hopkins Asthma and Allergy Center, Baltimore, MD, USA

    R. G. Hamilton MD, Prof.

Authors
  1. J. Kleine-Tebbe MD, Prof.
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  2. T. Jakob MD, Prof.
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  3. R. G. Hamilton MD, Prof.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. Kleine-Tebbe MD, Prof. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Professor of Dermatology and Allergology, Allergy and Asthma Center Westend Outpatient Clinic Hanf, Ackermann and Kleine-Tebbe, Berlin, Germany

    Jörg Kleine-Tebbe

  2. Professor of Dermatology and Allergology Chairman of the Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Gießen and Marburg Campus Gießen Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany

    Thilo Jakob

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Kleine-Tebbe, J., Jakob, T., Hamilton, R.G. (2017). Molecular Allergy Diagnostics Using IgE Singleplex Assays: Methodological and Practical Considerations. In: Kleine-Tebbe, J., Jakob, T. (eds) Molecular Allergy Diagnostics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42499-6_7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42499-6_7

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-42499-6

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