Clinical Validation of Controlled Grass Pollen Challenge in the Environmental Exposure Unit (EEU)

Blood and nasal epigenetics correlate with allergic rhinitis symptom development in the environmental exposure unit

“…The study was conducted out of season, and participants with symptoms due to other allergens were excluded. Exclusion criteria and medication washouts were detailed previously …”

“…All participants in the nasal brushing cohort were exposed to 3500 grains/m 3 of birch pollen for one 4‐hour session (±500 grains/m 3 ). Air quality, pollen characteristics, and distribution have been described previously …”

“…Total symptom score (TSS) was the sum of symptom scores (maximum 24). Additionally, participants measured their peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF), a measure of nasal congestion, using the In‐Check meter (Clement Clarke International, Essex, UK) . Physician observers circulated inside the unit during all exposure sessions.…”

Specificity and reproducibility of nasal biomarkers in patients with allergic rhinitis after allergen challenge chamber exposure

“…Another research group found that a similar mean (SD) concentration of 3,500 (500) grains/m 3 is an optimal concentration to produce symptoms similar to those experienced in the outdoor environment. 10 The concentration of pollen in the ACC is closely monitored and stable over the complete duration of the challenges. 7 The interval between the 2 challenges was 21 days.…”

Allergen exposure chambers: harmonizing current concepts and projecting the needs for the future – an EAACI Position Paper

“…Although there have been publications for different allergens in some AECs , published specifications are still lacking for some allergen sources.…”