What does the RAST test actually test for?

[lynnie1264]

Hi everyone. I'm just curious as to what they actually test for when they do an initial allergy blood test. Here it's a RAST, not sure if it's the same everywhere.

 

Brendan had his back in May, and all the Dr really said was "Oh well, it's all come back clear." I asked him what he was tested for in particular but he just cast me aside and said "Oh, pollens and grass, that kind of thing."

 

He knew I wanted it done in relation to my son's TS and looked at me like I was stupid, but agreed to do it "anyway".

Next week I have an appointment with his new Dr and will be asking for more tests. But i was wondering if you know what type of things they test you on in these RAST tests. Is it just a basic set of a few things, because he never asked me what I thought he could be allergic to.

 

I've tried to find out on google, but they just talk about the test in general, nothing more detailed.

Is testing for environmental things, and food 2 totally seperate tests?

thanks,

Lyn.

[Caryn]

Lyn,

An allergist usually tests for IgE allergies-- histamine reactions. The RAST test would measure this. This type of allergy produces stuffy noses, hives, anaphlyactic reactions and other typical allergy symptoms.

We used an IgG test, which is a delayed food intolerance test and also chemical sensitivity test. This measures the white blood cell activity and looks for delayed responses rather than immediate ones. It is a different kettle of fish altogether and often times the RAST results and IgG results do not match up, so many Allergists are against the IgG and think it is unreliable.

In our case the IgG broke the lid open and really helped us get a handle on things. This, because it revealed the Wheat and Corn intolerances that our son has (I call them allergies) and when we removed them (and 15 other minor allergies) our son's condition began to improve. It took 9 months before we saw a dramatic turnaround in him and he has been 'stable' now for 1 1/2 years without any episodes (save the one he had at the start of the school year when he was accidentally given 2 freezepops in one day with high fructose corn syrup in them). So I really believe in it.

But, having said that, kids can and do tic for a variety of reasons so there is no guarantee that this is the answer in your case. We never did the IgE test but I am not against it. I may in fact get it done this year just to see where we are at. My son does have congestion in the spring and fall--

Caryn

[lynnie1264]

Thanks for that. It seems it's actually the other test I'm after, not the one I've had done. It's more the food and envorinmental stuff I was after.

The Dr just didn't seem to think there could be any link...mmm!!! Didn't offer anything really, just "yeah, so he has Tourettes, see you later." The actual ped was good though, but even he doesn't believe it has anything to do with food. My new Dr has a few TS patients and believes in the outside stuff affecting it etc, but will also medicate if needed. He's open minded, and will even talk to schools etc on your behalf if that's warranted. And he is just a normal everyday DR... but a sincere and caring one. He used to deal more with kids a few years ago but now just does general.

 

My brother has TS {never diagnosed but obvious} but I know that doesn't mean my son has the same type or anything.

 

Thank you so much,

Lyn.