| Patient
Information | Types
of Allergens |
| Allergy Treatment | Tools
for the Patient
Like any disease, the diagnosis of allergy begins with the
patient’s clinical history and symptoms. Allergy testing may
then be used to identify the specific causes of the allergic reaction.
There are three common testing methods.
In Vitro (Blood) Test
Today’s technology permits the physician to diagnose allergy
from a common blood sample. The test quantitatively measures immunoglobulin
E (IgE)—the antibody responsible for the allergic reaction—that
is specific to the allergens being tested. Thus, a single blood
sample can provide allergen-specific IgE test results to a variety
of allergens with greater patient comfort. The blood test does not
require you to discontinue your antihistamine or other allergy medication
and eliminates the risk of a severe reaction during the testing
process. The HY•TEC™ and Turbo-MP™ allergy tests
available from Hycor are the most sensitive tests available today
for allergy diagnosis. Blood testing can be used to test for sensitivity
to all categories of allergens (e.g., dust, animal dander, etc.)
and is the preferred method for testing for food and drug allergies.
For more information, click here to download
our Tests brochure.
These laboratories that use Hycor’s ultrasensitive allergy
tests can help you learn more about allergy blood testing.
(800) 222-7566
(800)
222-5775
(800) 365-1700
(800) 631-1379
Skin Test
Traditionally, a patient is tested for allergy by applying a small
quantity of allergen to a puncture in the skin and measuring the
size of the reaction that develops. Skin testing is qualitative
and highly technique-dependent, not to mention uncomfortable for
the patient. Skin tests may be performed by either the skin-prick
method or the intradermal method. In the skin-prick method, each
allergen is applied to the skin as it is pricked with a needle-like
device, while each allergen is injected into the deeper layers of
the skin in the intradermal method. With both types of testing,
the intensity and size of a reaction on the skin are monitored by
the swelling and redness at each site (the “wheal” and
“flare”). While skin tests are very sensitive, they
are not very specific, which means that you may not be allergic
even if the test result is positive.
Provocation or Challenge Test
The provocation or challenge test is often used to assess food allergies.
In this test, the patient ingests samples of various foods in capsule
form and he or she is monitored for any reaction. In the best-controlled
tests, neither the patient nor the physician know which food is
in each capsule. Capsules of non-reactive “placebo”
may be tested as well; such studies are called double-blinded placebo-controlled
food challenges. Provocation tests must only be performed in the
presence of trained medical personnel who are trained to handle
patients who have severe allergic reactions.
Find a doctor in your area.
This information is intended for education
purposes only and is not a substitute for the care of your health
care provider. Allergic patients are encouraged to consult their
physicians.
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