The use of microarray and other multiplex technologies in the diagnosis of allergy

Objective: To give an overview and describe the strengths and weaknesses of immunoglobulin E (IgE) microarray and other multiplex assays that have been developed and are being used for allergy diagnostics.

Data sources: Queries for IgE microarray and multiplex assays were conducted with PubMed and Google Scholar, searching for primary articles and review papers.

Study selections: We focused on articles written in English on commercially available IgE multiplex assays that were reported in the allergy and immunology literature.

Results: Several commercial IgE assays that use microarray or other multiplex technology have been developed, and some have been implemented into clinical practice in Europe and Asia, with the Immuno Solid-Phase Allergen Chip being the most widely studied. Results of these assays generally correlate with results using "singleplex" IgE assays (eg, ImmunoCAP), though there can be variability among products and among allergens. A strength of the microarray technology is that IgE to a large number of allergens can be detected simultaneously in a single test, and only a small amount of patient serum is required. Cost, inadequate sensitivity under some scenarios, and difficulties with data interpretation, in some cases of 100 or more allergens, can be limitations.

Conclusion: IgE microarray assays are already a valuable tool in research applications. These assays, and also other forms of IgE multiplex assays, are likely to play an important role in the clinical practice of allergy in the future. Additional studies focused on clinical outcomes, and the development of more targeted allergen panels could facilitate increased clinical use.