[Methods for the detection of drug allergies].

The following in vitro methods are predominantly discussed: Specific IgE determination (RAST). The test can be used to detect allergies of the immediate type such as anaphylactic shock and urticaria. Antibodies can be detected to a limited number of drugs such as penicillin, ACTH, TSH, insulin, asparaginase and proteins of animal sources. Degranulation of basophil leucocytes and histaminliberation have been used for many years. The practical value of the test has been limited but improved methods for analysis have given the tests hopes for a come-back. Cellular tests like lymphocyteproliferation and macrophage inhibition test (MIF) do not yet give such information which make them helpful as practical tests to detect drug allergy.