ALEX 3 IgE - Allergen Screening of 300 allergens

Please note that test results should not be interpreted independently. The information provided below is for informational purposes only.

ALEX³ (Allergy Xplorer) is an advanced multiplex allergy test designed for the simultaneous assessment of allergic sensitization by measuring specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) against allergens included in the panel, as well as total immunoglobulin E (tIgE). The test provides a comprehensive and detailed profile of an individual's allergic sensitization.

Immediate-type allergic reactions are type I hypersensitivity reactions mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Following exposure to specific allergens, IgE-mediated activation of mast cells and basophils triggers the release of histamine and other mediators, which may cause clinical manifestations such as allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Identifying a detailed sensitization profile to specific allergens contributes to the evaluation of patients with suspected IgE-mediated allergic conditions.

ALEX³ enables the investigation of a broad range of clinically relevant allergens originating from major food, inhalant, and environmental sources. By simultaneously measuring specific IgE against numerous allergens, the test provides an extensive sensitization profile and valuable information for the clinical assessment of patients.

Components

The test includes a total of 300 allergens: 218 molecular allergens and 82 allergen extracts. Of the 218 molecular allergens, 106 are unique molecular components, providing an extensive and detailed profile of allergic sensitization.

The combination of allergen extracts and molecular components allows for a detailed characterization of the IgE sensitization profile, helping to differentiate primary sensitization from possible co-sensitizations and cross-reactive responses.

Allergen categories included in ALEX³

• Pollen - tree pollen, weed pollen, and grass pollen.
• Mites - house dust mites and storage mites.
• Animal dander and epithelia - pets and farm animals.
• Microorganisms - fungal spores and yeasts.
• Insects - cockroaches.
• Insect venoms - ants, bees, wasps, and bumblebees.
• Plant-derived food allergens - cereals, spices, fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
• Animal-derived food allergens - meat, milk, eggs, fish, and seafood.
• Other allergens - CCD (cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants), ficus, latex, and parasites.

Indications

ALEX³ may be used in the evaluation of patients with suspected IgE-mediated allergic conditions, including the following situations:

• symptoms suggestive of respiratory allergy: runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, nasal or ocular itching, and watery eyes;
• skin manifestations potentially associated with an allergic condition: itching, urticaria, skin rashes, and dermatitis;
• coughing, wheezing, or breathing difficulties in the context of suspected respiratory allergy;
• suspected allergic rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis and/or allergic asthma;
• suspected IgE-mediated food allergy;
• suspected sensitization to inhalant allergens;
• suspected sensitization to insect venoms;
• evaluation of multiple sensitizations and possible cross-reactive responses;
• identification of potential sources of allergic sensitization;
• comprehensive assessment of allergic sensitization profiles in children and adults.

Limitations and interpretation of results

The detection of specific IgE indicates sensitization to a particular allergen but does not, on its own, confirm the presence of a clinical allergy. The diagnosis must be established by a physician by correlating ALEX³ results with symptoms, medical history, and other available clinical and laboratory findings.

A negative result does not exclude the presence of a clinical allergy in all cases. If the patient's clinical history is suggestive of an allergic condition, further evaluation by an allergist may be necessary.

In cases of food allergy, circulating IgE may sometimes remain undetectable despite the presence of clinical manifestations. This may occur, among other reasons, when antibodies are directed against allergenic structures modified during food processing, heat preparation, or digestion.

In cases of insect venom allergy, a negative result indicates the absence of detectable levels of specific IgE against the tested allergens and does not exclude clinical hypersensitivity to insect stings.

In children, particularly those under 2 years of age, total IgE levels are physiologically lower than in adolescents and adults. Consequently, total IgE levels may fall below the detection limit of the method in a higher proportion of young children. This limitation does not apply to the measurement of specific IgE.

Procedure

The test requires a venous blood sample collected by qualified healthcare professionals in accordance with standard safety procedures. The procedure takes a few minutes and is generally well tolerated.

Sources:

https://www.alpco.com/resources/understanding-ige-allergy-test-results
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/cea.14350
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8156228/
https://www.madx.com/extras

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any pain or worsening of symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can accurately diagnose and determine the appropriate course of action. To ensure the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.