Product Description
ALEX² Allergy Explorer is the next generation in vitro test for type I allergies.
With an allergen panel of 295 allergen extracts and molecular allergens complemented by total IgE, we aim for above 99 % coverage of all routine diagnostic needs.
ALEX² Allergy Explorer is a state-of-the-art multiplex ELISA test based on proven immunoassay chemistry and detection methods. The analytical performance parameters are aligned with the commercial assay systems currently available. A high correlation to reference methods is established.
The ALEX² assay protocol integrates a powerful Cross-reactive Carbohydrate Determinants (CCDs) inhibitor during serum incubation, which will clear up your specific IgE results. This reduces the interpretative burden for physicians of CCD positive patients and increases the specificity of our test results.
The flexible analysis software allows our customers to analyze tailormade allergen panels as they see fit for their clinical needs = Multiplex on demand.
The quantification is based on a colorimetric image acquisition, using CMOS sensors and instrumentation.
ALEX² Allergy Explorer is based on proprietary nano-bead technology. Every allergen (extract) can be individually optimized for production.
Principle of procedure
ALEX2 is a solid-phase immunoassay. Allergen extracts or molecular allergens, which are coupled to nano-particles, are deposited in a systematic fashion onto a solid phase forming a macroscopic array. First, the particle bound allergens react with specific IgE that is present in the patient sample. After incubation, non-specific IgE is washed off. The procedure continues by adding an enzyme labelled 4 antihuman IgE detection antibody which forms a complex with the particle bound specific IgE. After a second washing step, substrate is added which is converted to an insoluble, coloured precipitate by the antibody-bound enzyme. Finally, the enzyme-substrate reaction is stopped by adding a blocking reagent. The amount of precipitate is proportional to the concentration of specific IgE in the patient sample.
Clinical utility
The ALEX2 test supports diagnosis of allergic diseases in conjunction with other diagnostic findings such as anamnesis, clinical history or physical examination. In addition to identifying the sensitizing allergen sources, ALEX2 provides an almost complete and high-resolution molecular IgE profile at no additional effort or cost. Compared to extract-based diagnostics alone, this can add relevant diagnostics information on:
- Indication for specific immunotherapy
- Risk-assessment for your patient to avoid severe allergic reactions to foods
- Molecular information about cross-reactivity