Validity of MAST-CLA for diagnosis of arthropod allergy using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis

Korean J Parasitol. 2007 Sep;45(3):239-43. doi: 10.3347/kjp.2007.45.3.239.

Abstract

Many allergists are currently focusing on the development of new diagnostic tools, and are attempting to improve both the sensitivity and specificity. A multiple allergen simultaneous test-chemiluminescent assay (MASTCLA) is one of the most popular diagnostic tools used in the Republic of Korea. However, there remains controversy among allergists with regard to the cut-off point for a positive result. The present study was conducted in order to determine the validity of MAST-CLA as compared with that of the skin prick test, with particular emphasis on arthropod allergens, on the basis of percentage agreement rates and kappa-values, and also to suggest the optimal positive cutoff points using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The study was conducted with 97 subjects (54 men, 43 women). Optimal individual cut-off points were calculated as follows; class II for Dermatophagoides farinae, class I for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and trace for a cockroach mix. These findings suggest that attempting to apply optimal individual cut-off points will be a good way of improving diagnostic tests, particularly MAST-CLA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides / immunology*
  • Cockroaches / chemistry
  • Dermatophagoides farinae / chemistry
  • Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus / chemistry
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Insect Proteins / immunology*
  • Luminescent Measurements / methods*
  • Luminescent Measurements / standards
  • Male
  • ROC Curve*
  • Skin Tests / methods

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides
  • Insect Proteins