Pharmacia Diagnostics Release: Article Supports Use Of Diagnostic Blood Tests For Allergies; Evidence Helps Boost Low Accuracy Of Diagnosis Rates And Improve Patient Care

KALAMAZOO, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 19, 2005--Diagnostic blood tests for specific IgE, when used in combination with family history and medical evaluation, decrease the unnecessary use of antihistamines and improve the management of allergies by accurately diagnosing the condition in patients. This information was published in the April issue of the American Journal for Nurse Practitioners. "This paper supports the broader use of blood tests, like ImmunoCAP, to accurately diagnose allergic rhinitis," said lead author Wade Brosius, DO, Pottstown Memorial Medical Center. "It is prudent to use a diagnostic blood test before treatment begins, because the test provides objective evidence about the presence or absence of allergies."