Screening, not a verdict
A third of allergy sufferers have normal total IgE, and elevated ones occur without allergies - the test is oriented, but specific IgE panels and anamnesis are looked for for the culprit. Significant numbers for itching and eosinophilia also require the exclusion of helminths (feces are nearby). The allergist builds a route based on the totality.
When is it appointed?
- fever - severity and nature of inflammation;
- suspicion of sepsis - procalcitonin, blood culture;
- joint pain - rheumatological screening;
- sore throats and their complications - ASLO;
- allergy - general IgE.
Inflammation thermometer
Markers rank the alarm: CRP increases with any significant inflammation (bacterial gives higher numbers), procalcitonin is specific for severe bacterial infections and sepsis - it also solves the issue of antibiotics, IL-6 reacts first in resuscitation scenarios, blood culture finds the causative agent of bacteremia. Rheumatological block (RF, ASLO) and IgE close articular and allergic routes. The right marker at the right time saves time and antibiotics.
