Allergy to snake venom: the use of radioimmunoassay for the detection of IgE antibodies against antigens not suitable for cutaneous tests.

Abstract

A case of a severe immediate‐type respiratory reaction to rattlesnake venom is reported. Reaginic antibody to the snake venom was demonstrated in the patient's serum by long latency passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in a monkey. IgE antibody against the venom was demonstrated in the patient's serum by a solid phase radioimmunoassay.