RAST Methods

View animation, then read methods text below.

IgE in patient serum is added to a tube containing the bead-bound allergen. Anti-allergen antibodies bind to the allergen. Radio-labeled anti-human IgE antibodies are then added to detect IgE bound to the allergen. The solid phase bead is yellow and allergens are depicted in red. IgE (blue) is not the only antibody that may bind to a given allergen, but radio-labeled anti-human antibodies (green) are IgE-specific and will not bind to IgG. The presence of IgE antibodies in patient sera can be accurately determined by measuring the radioactive decay of the radiolabeled anti-IgE antibody.

The following animation demonstrates the process by which IgE can be detected in patient sera.

Animation
(1.6 M)
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Immunological Techniques
University of Arizona
Monday, November 17, 1997
douglas.lake@asu.edu