Quest Diagnostics announces results of largest ImmunoCAP cross-sectional allergy study

ImmunoCAP^®, the worldwide leader of in vitro allergy diagnostics, is pleased to present the results of the largest cross-sectional allergy study ever conducted. The landmark study, announced today by Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information, and services, includes test results from over 2 million patients. The data reveals important trends about the impact allergies have on patients of every age, socioeconomic group, and geographic region in the US.

This wealth of information on allergies and asthma in the US was made possible by data collected from Quest Diagnostic's use of the ImmunoCAP Specific IgE blood test from Phadia, the market leading in vitro allergy diagnostic test. Quest Diagnostics and Phadia have partnered to improve the diagnosis and assessment of allergic disease for over 2 decades. ImmunoCAP Specific IgE blood testing is conducted using a simple blood draw and has been helpful to primary care and specialist physicians who want to provide better care to their patients with allergies and asthma. Phadia has maintained a strong commitment to the support and education of clinicians in the appropriate use of diagnostic tools to help with the diagnosis and management of allergy and autoimmune related diseases. Phadia will utilize data from the Quest Diagnostics Health Trends Report to expand and extend the use of the ImmunoCAP Specific IgE blood test to support a guidelines-based approach to diagnosing and managing allergic diseases.

The Quest Diagnostics Health Trends Report™: Allergies Across America™, confirms the "allergy march" in which early childhood food allergies heighten the risk for development of additional and more severe allergy-related conditions - including asthma - later in life. In addition, the report shows that patients with asthma are 20% more likely to have an allergic component to their condition. This confirms that allergy testing and exposure reduction to a patient's specific allergic triggers are critically important steps to take for patients with asthma.

Other important findings include the prevalence of food allergies with infants and toddlers, compared to the prevalence of environmental allergies such as dust, ragweed, and mold that are more common with children and adults.

David Esposito, President and General Manager of Phadia US, says, "We commend Quest Diagnostics on their leadership role in spotlighting the impact of allergies in our nation. This data enables us to work together to support health care reform initiatives that call for better patient care at reduced costs. With full knowledge of their allergies and armed with an allergy or asthma action plan, patients can reduce unscheduled doctors' office and emergency room visits, lessen the need for medications including costly inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta agonist combination medications, and minimize sick days that cause missed school or work. Our hope is that this data is used by payers and policy makers to support and embrace the NIH Guidelines that recommend allergy testing for all patients with persistent asthma."