Definitions for "Radioallergosorbent test"
Keywords:  allergen, ige, igg, antibody, allergy
(RAST), is the name given to an in vitro technique which detects the presence of IgE (and IgG) antibodies to allergens, proteins which may give rise to hypersensitivity reactions seen in allergies. Allergens are coated on a complex carbohydrate matrix called a sorbent. Antibodies specific for the allergen being tested bind to the allergin and, if preset, are detected by a low-level radioactively labeled antibody to either human IgE or IgG, depending upon the isotype being used.
Test to identify and quantify IgG in serum that has been mixed with any of 45 known allergens to determine allergic reactions to the allergens, signified by antigen-antibody reactions between the allergen and the IgG IgG.
Allergen testing carried out in a test tube. A patient blood sample is mixed with a test allergen. A radioactive antibody capable of detecting human antibodies is added. A positive test identifies an allergen capable of causing an allergic response.