[Histamine liberation in vitro or histamine release (HR). Study of the threshold of positivity in allergy to hymenopteran venoms]

The technique of histamine release in vitro (HR) is only usable in diagnosis of hymenoptera venom allergy. The allergen extracts that are supplied for clinical (skin tests) or biological diagnosis contain significant amounts of histamine, falsify the results, especially HR, and reduce significantly the correlation between HR and other biological or cutaneous tests. Dialysis of the allergen extracts significantly improves the sensitivity and specificity of the technique and lowers the threshold of positivity of HR from 30% to 12%. Correlation of HR with other diagnostic parameters:clinical history, specific IgE and skin tests is very significantly improved.