For the first time we can now offer our patients a rapid and highly reliable
evidence-based test for ocular surface allergy.
Lacrytest
is a new rapid test to confirm ocular surface allergy when the presenting
symptoms are itchy eyes. Done while the patient waits, it is a
"mini-laboratory on a stick" that gives reliable quantitative results
after 10 minutes that are stable and can be archived in the patient's notes.
Performing a Lacrytest is as easy as using a Fluoret.
ADIATEC make high quality immunoassay kits used in clinical and research laboratories throughout the world, and has collaborative projects with researchers in universities and teaching hospitals. Now they provide a rapid, easy-to-use, cost-effective diagnostic product for the optometrist's consulting room.
Lacrytest is a simple and rapid immuno-chromatographic test which enables the identification of allergic conjunctivitis in one single step. Lacrytest uses monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to detect total IgE in tears. The speed and simplicity of this unique test enables better and faster treatment of the patient.
Just one teardrop is needed for the Lacrytest eye allergy test
Lacrytest was awarded first prize in the Biotechnology Innovation category. This award, the Trophy "Ester D’or" is granted by the industry to laboratories and/or firms for outstanding technological innovation.
Lacrytest is a ready-to-use strip, with all the necessary reagents already incorporated into it. No instrumentation or prior provision of tear samples is required.
Lacrytest gives results from just one teardrop, and is placed in contact with the patient’s eye for less than three minutes, causing minimum discomfort when compared to the Schirmer assay. Doctors do not have to take tear sample, and an indicator appears when enough tear fluid has been absorbed. The test strip is then placed in a test tube pre-filled with fluid and the evaluation of amount of total IgE detected.
The results appear in the form of easily visible red-violet lines in the presence of total IgE levels greater than 2.5 kUI/l (the detection limit). These results are stable and can be archived. The test can be used in the laboratory, in the doctor’s surgery during a consultation or on a home visit.
Lacrytest can be stored at room temperature for up to 12 months. Comparative studies have shown that it has a sensitivity of 91.7% and a specificity of 98.5%.
Lacrytest is also aimed at contact lens wearers. Allergic conjunctivitis associated with the wearing of contact lenses is increasing rapidly, and Lacrytest can be used as a preventative measure to guide and advise users.
Patient benefits and
costs.
Patients are delighted because the cause of their itch / irritation is
scientifically investigated and treatment can be started immediately. The
suggested cost of the eye allergy test is £25.
Practitioner benefits.
For the first time we can offer our patients a rapid and highly reliable
evidence-based test for ocular surface allergy. The total chair time required to
test, wait for results and advise therapeutically is around 20 minutes.
Eyecare-Plus | 8 Rodney Street Edinburgh EH7 4EA | Tel.
0131 556 7836 | 
e-mail | 
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