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MRT Laboratories, Inc.

50 Johnson Ave.
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-342-5400
800-631-1379
FAX 201-342-1123
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...Alternatives To Skin Testing
and Advantages of In Vitro Allergy Testing.

Alternatives to Skin Testing

Skin testing methodologies, In Vivo allergy testing, include the following types:

Skin Prick Test
Intradermal (Subcutaneous) Test
Challenge (Provocation) - limited to certain allergens

In Vivo allergy testing measures the processes and reactions of allergic responses "within the body."

Some time ago, it was dicovered that In Vitro allergy testing, or testing for allergy by removing a blood sample from the patient and measuring the allergic reaction in an artificial environment (the test tube), provided alternative diagnostic procedures for the patient and quantifiable results for the laboratory professionals.

The most common In Vitro methodologies are:

RIA (Radioimmunoassay), or frequently called RAST test. RAST is an acronynm for radioallergosorbent test, manual and/or automated
EIA (Enzyme Immunoassay), manual and/or automated

Advantages of In Vitro Allergy Testing

Greater patient comfort during diagnostic process
One blood draw
Not dependent on skin conditions
Patients on anti-histamines need not discontinue their medication
Diagnosis occurs in fewer visits
Not dependent on technque used by person performing the skin test
Quantitative results facilitate transition into immunotherapy at ideal levels
- Saves time
- Minimizes potential for adverse reaction to immunotherapy
Enable managed care organizations to standardize diagnostic process
Shortens treatment time span, therapy lowering costs
Collateral benefits to managed care organizations
- Lowers immunotherapy costs
- Reduces emergency room visits
- Helps patients to avoid allergenic triggers of acute asthmatic episodes
- Reduces office visits

*Source: Hycor Biomedical, Inc.

More information...

Why test for allergy? Click Here
Why use blood tests? Click Here
Tell me about In Vitro Tests
Newsletter: "Advantages of In Vitro Testing"
Learn more about Our Services
To view a sample Allergy Testing Results report, Click Here

MRT Laboratories, Inc.

...Alternatives To Skin Testingand Advantages of In Vitro Allergy Testing.

...Alternatives To Skin Testing
and Advantages of In Vitro Allergy Testing.