This chapter explains the technology and chemistry behind the Phadia laboratory systems, formerly known as UniCAP^®, then ImmunoCAP^®, designed for the testing of allergy and autoimmune diseases. These products are diagnostic tests for the presence of antibodies in samples by using a solid-phase coated with the test allergen. The solid phase in ImmunoCAP is a cyanogen bromide-activated cellulose derivative, which has a high capacity for allergen binding. The EliA solid phase, for autoimmune disease tests, is a microtiter well. The assays are enzyme immunoassays with a fluorescent end point.

Angela Gore is currently working for ThermoFisher Scientific – ImmunoDiagnostics as marketing manager for the autoimmunity side of the business. Having been with the company for nearly 12 years, she has previously held positions in sales, training and support for both autoimmunity and allergy, before becoming responsible for the autoimmunity products, and their marketing and promotion in both laboratory and clinical environments. Before joining ThermoFisher, Angela worked in laboratory positions for several companies within the clinical diagnostics field, and also a veterinary vaccines company. These positions were all involved with assay development, validation and quality control.

This chapter includes material submitted to previous editions by Gareth Evans and Mats Rilvën, who worked in the Diagnostics Division of Pharmacia, Milton Keynes, UK, at the time.

Phadia, UniCAP, ImmunoCAP, EliA, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), allergy, allergen, recombinant, fluorescence, 4-methylumbelliferone-β-D-galactoside, immunometric, antibodies, signal generation, signal detection.