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Objectives: Molecular diagnostic is a new therapeutic approach that - allows to valuate sensitization towards a single molecule in a allergenic source and to obtain relevant information on clinical features: sensitization towards molecules as alfa amylase of wheat or lipocalins of pets, Alt a 1 of alternaria spores and Hev b 6 of latex correlates with the risk to develop asthma - has a greater sensitivity in the serum IgE identification than the whole source., Competing Interests: The authors of this article have no conflict of interests to disclose., (Copyright© by Aracne Editrice, Roma, Italy.)

Sera from 1040 adult patients were tested by a new multi-RAST test and PRIST to determine the efficiency of each test in a screening for allergy to inhalants. The patients had been referred to our Institutions for allergological evaluation of respiratory diseases. All the patients had been thoroughly investigated by clinical history, skin prick test and RAST. In 505 a diagnosis of respiratory allergy to one or more inhalants allergens was established, while in 535 a diagnosis of atopy was not confirmed. The new multiRAST test consented to correctly detect 464 out of 505 atopic patients (efficiency 92%) and 517 out of 535 non atopic patients (efficiency 97%). PRIST showed in both cases a minor efficiency (71% in detecting atopy and 77% in detecting non atopy).