Problems with the RAST Test. Part 2: RAST vs ELISA
Allergy tests are not always perfect. All allergy tests have the potential to give a “false positive” or in reverse a “false negative”. The Rast test or frequently used Cap-Rast test is great for immediate response allergies. Examples of these allergies are: peanuts, corn, fish, egg and milk. This test measures how much IgE antibodies are present to a specific food or allergen. The problem with this test is it’s inability to accurately test delayed hypersensitive reactions such as gluten/wheat. For a better result on the gluten testing, the individual needs to eat a diet heavy with high-gluten foods( ie., pizza, pasta) for two weeks prior to the test. That way enough IgE antibodies will be present for the test.
The ELISA test is preferable to delayed allergies such as gluten. The test measures late-phase lymphocytes responses to environmental and dietary antigens. However, because the most popular version of this test uses a non-interacting protein such as bovine(cow) albumin or casein, some individuals have reacted to the protein. This happens rarely, but it can give a “false positive” for individuals with milk allergies. So what is a parent to do? Be very informed of what type of allergy test you or your child will be taking. Inform the physician if you suspect both milk and gluten allergies so the correct allergy test will be applied. Make sure you prepare for the test so a correct conclusion of the test will result. If the test is borderline, then an elimination diet is often used. A trial elimination diet for 2 to 4 weeks is often suggested followed by a gradual reintroduction of the offending food. If the symptoms return after ingesting the suspected food then the individual is truly allergic/intolerant to the food.
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