[Usefulness of Phadiatop as a screening parameter in inhalation allergies].

After IgE had been identified as the key mediator of type-I-allergies, laboratory tests to measure total-IgE (PRIST) and specific IgE (RAST) were developed. Since 1986 a new screening method based on the RAST-technique has been introduced: Phadiatop. We evaluated the usefulness of Phadiatop for the allergologist compared to the information provided by total IgE-measurement (PRIST). Despite a statistically significant difference in favour of Phadiatop over PRIST, Phadiatop alone does not seem to be sufficient parameter for allergy screening. In its current conception it can neither rule out false negative findings, nor does it allow a precise determination as to which inhalation allergy prevails.