Clinical significance of specific IgE to common allergens. I. Relationship of specific IgE against Dermatophagoides spp. and grass pollen to skin and nasal tests and history.

Serological measurements of specific IgE to Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus and grass pollen showed statistically highly significant correlations with prick test reactions, the sizes of weals elicited, nasal tests and the clinical history. In subjects with negative prick tests, intracutaneous tests gave reactions which were not associated with specific IgE or reactions to nasal tests. Highly significant correlations were also found between total IgE values and prick test reactions to the allergens tested and to 48/80 but not to histamine; there was a negative correlation with reactions to anti‐IgE serum. The reactions to prick tests identified almost all subjects with specific IgE.