Definition for Radioallergosorbent test
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Revision as of 23:25, 17 January 2013 by Robertling (Talk | contribs) (Created page with "A RAST test, or radioallergosorbent test, is a type of blood test used to test for allergies. While RAST tests are expensive, and not considered as accurate as food challenges, t...")
A RAST test, or radioallergosorbent test, is a type of blood test used to test for allergies. While RAST tests are expensive, and not considered as accurate as food challenges, they are considered a very safe way to test for food allergies.
RAST tests are often used in combination with skin tests, or in situations when other tests are considered risky (e.g., when a patient has experienced a severe allergic reaction after eating a food). Because the test takes place in blood drawn from the patient, and not in the patient's skin or body, there is no risk of adverse reaction as with a prick test or a food challenge.
