Methods: Fifteen patients (age range 25 to 48 years, 7 males and 8 females) suffering from perennial Allergic Rhinitis were studied. Eleven of fifteen patients reported worsening of Rhinitis symptoms during Spring. In addition, nine of eleven did have symptoms consistent with Allergic Conjunctivitis. Skin Prick Testing was performed in accordance with published practice parameters (Bernstein L. et al, Annals of Allergy, Asthma, Immunology, Vol. 100, #3, supplement 3, March 2008.). In addition, Immunocap Testing (Quest Diagnostics) for specific IgE was performed on Cockroach, Dust Mite, D. Farinae and D. Pteronyssinus, Grass Pollens: Bahia, Bermuda, Johnson, Timothy, Italian Rye, & Tree Pollens; Oak, Elm, Maple, Pecan, & Sycamore. The sensativity between these two methods was analyzed.
Results: Skin Prick Test for Grass and Tree Pollens were positive in 13/15 (87%) patients. However, Immunocap Testing was positive in only two of fifteen (13%) patients for Grass and Tree Pollens. In contrast, for Dust Mite (D. Farinae, D. Pteronyssinus), both Immunocap and Skin Prick Test were positive in only three of fifteen (20%) patients. Furthermore, in one of fifteen (7%), results were positive for Cockroach; both by Skin Prick Test & Immunocap Assays.
Conclusions: In patients with Allergic Rhinoconjunctivis, Skin Prick Tests may be more sensitive in detecting sensitization to Grass and Tree Pollens in comparison with Immunocap Testing.