Process and apparatus for detecting sensitized leukocyte or antigen

A process for detecting, in a liquid sample containing food or pollen, an antigen capable of participating in a type I allergic reaction and which causes atopic dermatitis or pollinosis, comprising the steps of:

• (A) adding to said liquid sample, human leukocytes sensitized with a known antigen capable of participating in a known type I allergic reaction.., said leukocytes containing at least 100 hemocytes present in whole blood other than erythrocytes and platelets;
• (B) applying an exciting wave of 293 to 303 nm;
• and
• (C) detecting a fluorescence at 325 to 335 nm to thereby detect serotonin released by said known type I allergic reaction.

An apparatus for detecting an antigen capable of participating in a type I allergic reaction and which causes atopic dermatitis or pollinosis comprising:

• (A) a reaction chamber comprising a membrane support having supported thereon at least 100 human leukocytes, said leukocytes containing all hemocytes present in whole blood other than erythrocytes and platelets;
• (B) means for injecting liquid into said reaction chamber;
• and
• (C) means for detecting fluorescence of serotonin released during a type I allergic reaction which occurs in said reaction chamber, wherein detection of fluorescence correlates with the presence in the reaction chamber of an antigen capable of participating in a type I allergic reaction with said leukocytes.