RADIOALLERGOSORBENT TEST Meaning and
Definition
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The Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST) is a diagnostic blood test used to identify specific allergies in individuals. It is a method employed in clinical immunology to measure the levels of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies present in the bloodstream.
This laboratory analysis involves the exposure of a patient's blood sample to a range of suspected allergens, such as different types of pollen, pet dander, or foods. The blood is mixed with radioactive isotopes, which bind to any IgE antibodies that are specific to the allergen being tested. These isotopes allow the measurement of the quantity of allergen-specific IgE present in the patient's blood.
The RAST is often used when skin prick testing, another common allergy diagnostic tool, is not feasible or contraindicated. It provides a reliable and quantitative assessment of allergies, enabling clinicians to determine the extent of a patient's sensitivity to particular allergens. The test is typically performed in a clinical laboratory and the results are expressed as a numerical value or classified into different categories, indicating the degree of sensitivity or allergy severity.
Though RAST was one of the earliest methods developed for identifying allergies, it has been largely replaced by more advanced techniques, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). These newer methods offer increased sensitivity and specificity while requiring smaller sample volumes. However, RAST remains a viable option in certain cases, particularly when testing for specific allergens that may not be readily available for other diagnostic methods.
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Etymology of RADIOALLERGOSORBENT TEST
The word "Radioallergosorbent Test" (RAST) has its etymology rooted in the components of the test itself.
1. Radio: It refers to the use of radioactive isotopes in the test. The RAST test originally used radioisotopes to detect the presence of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood. However, the term "radio" is now somewhat outdated, as current RAST tests often use non-radioactive methods.
2. Allergo: It comes from the word "allergology" which refers to the branch of medicine focused on the study and treatment of allergies.
3. Sorbent: This term refers to the substance used in the test to bind and isolate the allergen-specific IgE antibodies from the blood of the patient. The sorbent material could be various substances like paper disks or microspheres coated with allergens.
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