The need for standardization of allergenic extracts utilized in humans for diagnosis and therapy.

It seems clear that the results of allergenic immunotherapy depend on the value of the allergens available. In our opinion the following points should be discussed and clarified : the choice of allergenic substances, potency units, therapeutic dilutions, delayed action allergens, active antibodies, standardization of allergens of well-determined biological species (plants, mould, microscopic fungi, microbial germs, house dust, pollens, parasites), standardization of adjuvants, standardization of allergen dispensation, solvents used for dilutions, solutions used for dilutions, preservatives, etc. A great deal of work is involved and should be undertaken without delay on an international scale.