Comparative evaluation of the pharmacia CAP system and the DPC AlaSTAT system for in vitro detection of allergen-specific IgE with the skin prick test.

Allergen-specific IgE concentrations for 6 inhalant allergens were compared in 54 subjects, using the Pharmacia CAP System and the DPC AlaSTAT System. Similar results were obtained in 91.6% of the tests. In 8% of the tests a positive score was obtained for the Pharmacia CAP System whereas a negative result was found by use of the DPC AlaSTAT System. A negative Pharmacia CAP System result combined with a positive DPC AlaSTAT System result occurred only in 0.4% of the tests. Sensitivity and specificity was established for the Pharmacia CAP System and the DPC AlaSTAT System by comparison with results of the skin prick test. Results obtained with the Pharmacia CAP System were found to be of slightly higher sensitivity than those obtained by DPC AlaSTAT System and of similar or slightly lower specificity.