Clinicians need specific training in the use and interpretation of a powerful new test for allergy coming into use across the UK and Europe, experts say today.
Allergen component testing is reported to have a range of advantages over skin-prick tests.
These include fewer false positives, reduced need for additional testing and avoiding speculative dietary exclusions, according to the British Society for Immunology.
A European survey has found that 24% of UK laboratories and 58% of EU laboratories offer allergen component testing. However only 19% of laboratories responded to the survey.
Almost all – 95% – did not require a completed allergy questionnaire to be submitted along with samples. Some 55% said they sought to screen requests for help by some means.
The society says it is "vital" that tests are performed well and interpreted correctly.
The UK NEQAS is now testing a quality assessment scheme for laboratories and has recommended that clinicians who commission and interpret tests should have received training – and should show awareness of national guidelines.
The findings have been reported in Clinical & Experimental Immunology.
Lead author Dr William Egner, director of UK NEQAS Immunology, Immunochemistry and Allergy, said: “These new types of personalised allergy tests are rapidly becoming more widely available in the UK and Europe. These tests are good for patients as they allow more accurate diagnosis and treatment of allergies.
"However, for patient safety, it’s very important that these allergy tests are administered and interpreted in a standardised way to ensure that the test is done properly and that the results are similar, no matter where and when the test is performed.
“From the findings of this survey, UK NEQAS has introduced a new pilot quality assurance scheme to monitor use of these tests across the UK and Europe and make sure that patients can have confidence in their test results.
"Additionally, our study showed the need for agreed guidance and education to inform best practice and to standardise care given by healthcare professionals from all fields, including GPs, hospital consultants and laboratory staff.”
2017 UK NEQAS survey of allergen component testing across the United Kingdom and other European countries. Clinical & Experimental Immunology 20 April 2017; doi:10.1111/cei.12950 [abstract]
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