Skin Prick Test to Detect Allergic Reaction
At Private Blood Tests London, we are now providing private allergy testing in London for children and adults. We use the Skin Prick Testing (SPT) method along side ISAC blood testing in the UK for a fully comprehensive service to diagnose environmental, inhalant and food allergies.
Prick-to-Prick skin test procedure involves bring allergen samples to your appointment, following which a small skin prick of the allergen is conducted by our Consultant Immunologist, detecting any reaction you may have. This method allows for screening of very specific or obscure allergens – simply bring it with you.
The allergy testing can be only conducted by our Consultant Immunologist – Dr Pereira, an extremely experienced NHS and private consultant on the Specialist Register of the GMC.
About allergy
Allergies are a hypersensitive reaction from the immune system in response to substances that might enter or come into contact with the body.
These substances may include irritants such as pollen, pet dander or bee venom. Anything may be an allergen as it is the adverse reaction in your immune system which produces symptoms.
A substance which leads to some kind of allergic reaction is called an allergen. They are generally found in foods, drinks or environment.
Different Kinds of Allergy
Allergies might range from mild irritation to extremely severe and can even be life threatening. Some common allergic conditions are:
- Seasonal and perennial and rhinitis, also known as hay fever
- Asthma which can lead to difficulty in breathing
- Anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis which produces severe reaction in your body
- Urticaria and angioedema – hives
- Oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen food allergy
- Allergy to insect venom, drugs or certain foods such as – peanuts, eggs, and penicillin etc.
- Eczema which can range from mild to extremely severe
- Celiac disease which leads to an intestinal reaction to gluten found in wheat
- Inflammation of lungs or extrinsic allergic alveolitis due to the inhalation of organic dust
Common Allergy Symptoms:
- Migraines
- Sinus pain
- Rhinitis
- Asthma
- Runny nose
- Vomiting, sickness or diarrhoea
- Eczema
- Swelling
- Itchy eyes, lips, throat, ears or mouth
- Hives or rashes
- Hyperactivity
- Wheezing
Diagnosis
The initial diagnosis of an allergy is via clinical examination conducted by a specialist. This is supplemented via thorough investigations for the following:
- Skin Prick Testing conducted at our clinic
- Allergy Blood Tests conducted at our partner laboratory
- Challenge tests with foods or drugs
- Respiratory Function tests
- Other investigations -Endoscopy and Bronchoscopy
Conducting the tests without first seeking a consultation from an allergy specialist is not recommended.
Common Allergy Test at Our Clinic:
Skin Prick Test
It is safe, quick, has minimal pain and the effective results are known after twenty minutes. Little drops of allergen extract are applied to your skin and punctured lightly by a shallow lancet. We perform skin prick tests in London within our CQC registered clinic on Harley Street at an affordable cost.
If there are IgE antibodies, a wheal or welt having a diameter of 5 to 15 mm will appear. The wheals will disappear within 30 minutes to an hour. There is a nominal chance that the patient might develop a strong reaction, however, patients are monitored closely and appropriate treatment is always provided at the point of reaction.
Pricing
At Private Blood Tests London, we perform different tests which include – positive control, negative control and 8 chosen antigens for primary skin prick test protocol. The cost for initial testing will start from £150 having room to add up around 5 more antigens for £10 each antigen.
ISAC Test – Screening for 112 Allergens along with one sample of blood
About ISAC Test
ISAC test is allergy blood testing conducted in the laboratory. A blood sample will be collected in the clinic which is then sent to the lab and screened against over 300 of the most commonly experienced allergens.
Treatments
There are many different options available for treatment following diagnosis of an allergy. These can include modern biological or immunomodulating medicines, however as all cases of allergy are specific to the patient, treatment is best discussed on an individual basis with your Immunologist.
Schedule an Appointment at Our Clinic in London Today
Looking for allergy test clinic near me?
Are you searching for allergy test clinics in and around London? Feel free to arrange an appointment with our Consultant Immunologist in London at our Harley Street Clinic. You can give us a call at 02071830244 or write to us at info@blood.london.
Frequently Asked Questions on Allergy Testing in the UK
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.
Contact Us
If you suspect that you are allergic to some substance, and would like to test for the allergy, reach out to us now. Our major aim is your health.
Reach out to us on
020 71830244, or visit us at
Suite E, 117a Harley St, Marylebone, London W1G 6AT.
