Abstract
SummaryA comparison of diagnostic techniques was carried out in the management of 59 patients with allergies who received desensitisation with Migen or Pollinex vaccines. Patients were tested with radioallergosorbent test (RAST) as well as skin tests, IgE levels and eosinophil counts.Significant differences were shown in the ability of RAST and skin tests to detect allergy (p<.05), skin tests being more sensitive. Significant clinical improvement was seen in 76 per cent of patients with house dust allergy and 92 per cent with grass pollen allergy.RAST testing was found to be of little diagnostic assistance. Skin testing and clinical evaluation were the most reliable methods of diagnosing allergy and monitoring response to therapy. No patients had any adverse reactions to desensitisation.