Allergy Testing

The antibody test of allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E is done to test for any form of allergy (a type I hypersensitivity) to some particular substances.

The antibody test for allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E will likely be done anytime there is no possibility of skin prick tests. If there is significant eczema or dermatitis in the patient, or the patient is taking antihistamines, there is a difficulty to interpret or perform skin prick tests.

There is limited use of antibody test for allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E in checking if an allergy has been outgrown by a patient as the test will likely stay positive even in an individual who has outgrown his allergy for long. There is an unclear use of allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E in monitoring response to immunotherapy, and will likely stay positive even after successful immunotherapy.

This antibody test is usually requested by anyone who has symptoms or signs, which suggests that you are allergic to one or more substances.

Negative (normal) results mean that you may not have any “true allergy,” an Immunoglobulin E mediated response or that particular allergen. But the results of the antibody tests of allergen-specific Immunoglobulin E should always be used and interpreted with caution, and with your doctor’s advice. There is no perfect test and, although a negative test indicates that you’re unlikely addicted to that substance, it doesn’t exclude allergy.

Results that are elevated mostly denotes an allergy. Nevertheless, not every patient who has a particular Immunoglobulin E test will have a physical allergic reaction anytime they are exposed to that particular substance. In this case, the patient is stated to be “sensitised” other than being allergic to that substance. The quantity of specific Immunoglobulin E present doesn’t predict how severe a reaction is. Though, the higher the level, the more likely is it for the patient to have any form of reaction to the allergen. Your allergy tests and other clinical histories may be needed for the confirmation of allergy diagnosis.

Sometimes, other blood tests will be looked at by your doctor for any indirect sign of an allergic situation that is ongoing. And this includes your entire Immunoglobulin E level, or your white blood cell differential (especially eosinophils) and FBC (full blood count). There may be suggestions of allergy on elevation intended tests, but they will also be elevated for some other reasons.

Intradermal tests or skin prick, and oral drug or food challenges usually are carried out by an immunologist or an allergist. Your doctor may also try to eliminate food right from your diet, and will probably reintroduce them to discover what you’re allergic to. You must do these tests under close medical supervision because there is a rare possibility of a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

A patch test is used to investigate “allergic contact dermatitis,”. It is also used to find out delayed reactions to substances that come in contact with the human skin such as nickel and fragrance in cosmetics. These tests are carried out by dermatologists, allergist, and immunologists. These reactions are not dependent on Immunoglobulin E, so it may be necessary to do the Immunoglobulin E test. Nevertheless, there are different symptoms and signs for a disease which is Immunoglobulin E related. When you carefully assess your symptoms, it will help your doctor pick the test that is appropriate for you.