ALEX versus ISAC multiplex array in analyzing food allergy in atopic children

ALEX multiplex array is a relatively new multiplex allergy test which analyses more than 120 allergen extracts and 170 molecular components. ISAC is the most used and studied multiplex array to date, offering 112 molecular components. In ten atopic children with multiple food allergies good agreement was observed between ALEX and ISAC sIgE results for nearly all shared food components. Presence of larger number of allergens in ALEX could help clinicians to improve personalized dietary advice. However more positive sensitizations with unknown clinical relevance were found by ALEX, potentially increasing clinical complexity. Pediatric allergists should be aware of this, especially in young atopic children with (severe) eczema who have not introduced all sorts of food yet.