A comparative study on basophil histamine release and skin testing in children with allergic rhinitis.

Skin tests and histamine release from basophils induced by the same allergens in children with allergic rhinitis were compared. A qualitative correlation between these two tests was found. Basophil histamine release either spontaneous or allergen-induced during the period of developed allergic symptoms was markedly higher as compared with that in a period of clinical remission. It is concluded that basophil histamine release might be a valuable diagnostic method for detection of allergen(s) responsible for symptoms of allergic rhinitis.