Nachweis von arbeitsplatzbezogenen Aeroallergenen : Einsatz einer semi-quantitativen Schnelltestmethode

Workplace-related allergen exposure is an important risk factor for the development of occupational allergy and asthma. New allergen specific semi-quantitative tests, Lateral Flow Immuno Assays (LFIAs), have been developed for the detection of occupational allergen exposure directly at the workplaces. These tests are quick and simple to perform, the results are visible within minutes and easily interpretable. In this article, the principle of LFIA is described and the practical application of the immunoassays for mouse and rat urinary allergens in a laboratory animal facility is presented. The results show that the sensitivity of the rapid tests is sufficient for the detection of small amounts of allergen in extracts from deposited dust. Thus they can help to reveal the allergen sources and to develop preventive and interventional measures. Furthermore, the LFIAs are especially suited for the direct on-site demonstration of allergen contaminations to staff members and, therefore, useful in occupational hygiene practice. This method is also a feasible screening system before starting extensive measurements of airborne allergens.