ALEX®3 Multiplex Allergy Test: Comprehensive and In-Depth Allergy Profiling
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Towards Precision Allergy Diagnostics

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), by 2050, approximately one in two people worldwide could be affected by some form of allergy, compared with 25% to 30% of the population today (WHO Global Report, May 2025).

Allergic diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent, and sensitization profiles are growing ever more complex. Accurately identifying the allergens involved is therefore essential for effective patient management and treatment decisions.

Against this backdrop, Cerba Laboratory is expanding its allergy testing portfolio with ALEX®3, a next-generation multiplex diagnostic technology.

What is the ALEX®3 Test?

ALEX®3 (Allergy Explorer®) is a multiplex diagnostic technology that enables the simultaneous measurement of allergen-specific IgE antibodies against 300 allergens in a single assay from a single blood sample, including:

  • 218 molecular allergens;
  • 82 allergen extracts;
  • Total IgE measurement.

The test also incorporates CCD (Cross-Reactive Carbohydrate Determinants) inhibition to neutralize carbohydrate-related interferences. This approach helps reduce false-positive results and supports a more accurate clinical interpretation of sensitization profiles.

When Is a Broad and Comprehensive Allergy Assessment Indicated?

 

In patients with multiple sensitizations or a complex allergy profile;

When allergy-related symptoms are present but the initial allergy workup is inconclusive or yields discordant results;

When cross-reactivity between multiple allergen sources is suspected;

When it is necessary to distinguish primary sensitization from cross-reactivity;

In the investigation of certain food allergies, to support risk stratification;

To further characterize the patient's sensitization profile before considering allergen immunotherapy (AIT) (desensitization).

Expanded and Optimized Allergen Panel

ALEX®3 enables the simultaneous assessment of a broad spectrum of allergens, including both allergen extracts and molecular allergen components, covering:

  • Pollens (grasses, trees, and weeds);
  • House dust mites;
  • Animal dander;
  • Molds and yeasts;
  • Hymenoptera venoms;
  • Food allergens;
  • Tree nuts and seeds;
  • Seafood allergens;
  • Latex;
  • Molecular allergen components associated with severe allergic reactions or cross-reactivity patterns.

Practical Information & Useful Links

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    Single sample collection

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    Simple blood draw

FAQ

    Which 300 allergens are included in the ALEX®3 panel?

    The complete list of the 218 molecular allergens and 82 allergen extracts included in the ALEX®3 panel is available in our Specific IgE Test Directory.

    What is the difference between testing allergen extracts and molecular allergen components with ALEX®3?

    Allergen extracts provide information on overall sensitization to a specific allergen source, such as a pollen or a food. In contrast, molecular allergen components enable the precise identification of the protein involved in the allergic response.
    This distinction helps assess the risk of severe allergic reactions and supports the identification of potential cross-reactivity patterns.

    Can this test help guide the selection and composition of allergen immunotherapy (AIT)?

    Yes. By distinguishing true primary sensitizations from cross-reactive sensitizations, ALEX®3 can support clinical decision-making when considering allergen immunotherapy (AIT).
    The detailed sensitization profile provided by ALEX®3 helps identify the most relevant allergens to include in a personalized immunotherapy strategy.