[When the fluoro-immuno-enzymatic (FEIA) measurements turn out to be more sensitive than radioimmunologic (RIA) measurements. Application to the measurement of serum tryptase].

The measurement of Tryptase by the Fluoro-Immuno-Enzymatic (FEIA) method is nowadays possible on the Pharmacia CAP system (automatic UniCAP). This measurement is more comprehensive as it measures the release of serum tryptase from both the tissue mastocytes (MCTC) as well as the mucosal mastocytes (MCM). Technically the measurements are comparable with those made by the method of radio-immunology (RIA), are absolutely reproducible and surprisingly at 100%. It has also been possible to evaluate the two techniques of FEIA and RIA on negative and positive pools. This new FEIA technique for serum tryptase is applicable: to anaphylactic and/or anaphylactoid accidents at the time of induction of anesthesia, in general conditions such as haemorrhagic recto colitis (RCH), Crohn's disease, and mastocytosis. Finally these measurements can be used during nasal and bronchial provocation tests, as the measurements may be made on nasal and bronchial lavage liquids. The sensitivity and the very good reproducibility of this new technique of FEIA for tryptase is of very great interest and avoids use of radio-active isotopes.