Specific IgE:: Comparison of two assays

Different laboratory assays are used to measure specific IgE antibodies. Objective: To evaluate the analytical performance of the ADVIA Centaur assay for the measurement of specific IgE and to compare with the CAP system. Methods: 658 determinations from 381 patients with asthma, dermatitis, food allergy and/or rhinitis were assayed with both systems. We analysed eight inhalant and six food allergens. Results were compared using conventional allergy classes (0-6). Results: Generally, good concordance was found between both methods for all allergens. However, it was better in inhalant than in food allergens. Conclusions: ADVIA Centaur is a fully automated system capable of performing allergy tests, it has a high precision, and it permits to do a wide variety of other assays.