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Allergy is a hypersensitivity condition triggered by substances like pollen, dust mites, and foods. Symptoms vary from sneezing to severe reactions. Diagnosis involves tests to identify allergens. With proper management, individuals can improve their quality of life. Learn more about allergies and treatments.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial in allergies to identify triggers, guide treatment, and prevent complications. It empowers individuals to manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life.
Here is a list of common allergy tests:
Skin Prick Test | |
---|---|
Also Known As | Allergy Prick Test |
Purpose | Identify immediate allergies |
Sample | Allergen extracts |
Preparation | No special preparation |
Procedure | Small pricks on the skin |
Test Timing | 15-30 minutes |
Test Price (INR) | 500 - 1500 |
Result Value | Positive/negative reaction |
Normal Value | No reaction |
Accuracy | High |
Interpretation | Positive reaction indicates allergies. |
The Skin Prick Test, also known as the Allergy Prick Test, accurately identifies immediate allergies through small pricks on the skin.
Patch Test | |
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Also Known As | Contact Allergy Test |
Purpose | Identify skin allergies |
Sample | Allergens applied to patches placed on skin |
Preparation | Patch placement on back or upper arm |
Procedure | Patches kept on for 48 hours, skin observed for reactions |
Test Timing | 48-72 hours |
Test Price (INR) | 1,500 - 5,000 |
Result Value | Positive or negative indication of allergen sensitivity |
Normal Value | Absence of significant skin reactions |
Accuracy | Variable accuracy |
Interpretation | Positive reaction suggests contact allergy, while negative indicates absence of sensitivity |
Patch Test, also known as the contact allergy test, identifies skin allergies caused by specific substances. It is accurate and dependable for diagnosing contact allergies.
Blood Test (RAST or ImmunoCAP) | |
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Also Known As | Specific IgE Test |
Purpose | Identify specific allergens triggering allergic reactions. |
Sample | Blood sample |
Preparation | Fasting required |
Procedure | Blood drawn, analyzed for specific IgE antibodies |
Test Timing | 1-2 days |
Test Price (INR) | 1,000 - 5,000. |
Result Value | Quantitative measurement of specific IgE levels |
Normal Value | Depends on specific allergen |
Accuracy | Reliable results |
Interpretation | High levels indicate sensitivity to specific allergens |
A blood test (RAST or ImmunoCAP) measures specific IgE levels in the blood to identify allergens. It provides accurate results and helps determine allergic sensitivities.
Allergen-Specific IgE Test | |
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Also Known As | IgE Blood Test |
Purpose | Identifying specific allergens |
Sample | Blood |
Preparation | Fasting required |
Procedure | Blood sample collection, analysis of IgE antibodies |
Test Timing | 1-2 days |
Test Price (INR) | 2,000 - 6,000 |
Result Value | Quantitative measurement of IgE levels |
Normal Value | Varies with age, laboratory standards |
Accuracy | Specific allergen detection |
Interpretation | Higher IgE levels indicate sensitivity to specific allergens |
The Allergen-Specific IgE Test, also known as the IgE Blood Test, identifies specific allergens causing reactions. It measures IgE levels accurately, providing valuable insights for allergy diagnosis and management.
Intradermal Test | |
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Also Known As | Intracutaneous Test |
Purpose | Detecting allergen sensitivity |
Sample | Allergen extracts |
Preparation | Cleaning the skin |
Procedure | Injecting allergens under skin |
Test Timing | A few days |
Test Price (INR) | 1500 - 3500 |
Result Value | Positive or negative reaction |
Normal Value | No reaction |
Accuracy | Variable diagnostic accuracy |
Interpretation | Positive reaction indicates allergy |
The Intradermal Test, also known as the Intracutaneous Test, detects allergen sensitivity through injected allergens. It helps guide treatment plans based on positive reactions, providing valuable insights into allergies.
Test Name | Skin Prick Test | Patch Test | Blood Test |
---|---|---|---|
Also Known As | Prick Test, Puncture Test | Contact Allergy Test, Epicutaneous Test | Allergen-Specific IgE Test, RAST, ImmunoCAP |
Purpose | Identifying immediate allergic reactions | Detecting delayed allergic reactions | Measuring specific IgE antibodies in the blood |
Sample | Allergen extracts | Allergens applied on patches | Blood sample |
Preparation | Cleaning the skin | Cleaning and marking skin | Fasting required |
Procedure | Pricking allergens on skin surface | Applying patches with allergens on skin | Blood sample collection, analysis |
Test Timing | 15-30 minutes | 48-72 hours | 1-2 days |
Test Price (INR) | 500 - 1500 | 1,500 - 5,000 | 1,000 - 5,000. |
Result Value | Immediate skin reaction | Skin reaction after patch removal | IgE antibody levels |
Normal Value | No reaction | No reaction | Low levels of specific IgE antibodies |
Accuracy | High | Variable accuracy | Reliable results |
Interpretation | Positive reaction indicates allergy | Positive reaction indicates allergy | Elevated IgE levels may suggest an allergic response |
*Test Price, range and timing may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure.
The Skin Prick Test, Patch Test, and Blood Test are vital in diagnosing allergies. They help identify immediate and delayed reactions, measure specific IgE antibodies, and guide effective treatment plans based on the results obtained.
Similar Diseases | Differentiating Factors |
---|---|
Cold | Absence of fever, duration of symptoms |
Sinusitis | Facial pain and pressure, sinus congestion |
Asthma | Recurrent episodes of wheezing, difficulty breathing |
Eczema | Rash with dry, itchy, and scaly skin |
Food intolerance | Non-immune response, gastrointestinal symptoms |
Drug reactions | Specific medication history, timing of symptoms |
When differentiating allergies from similar diseases, factors like absence of fever, specific symptoms, and timing help distinguish them from conditions such as cold, sinusitis, asthma, eczema, food intolerance, and drug reactions.
Specialist | Description |
---|---|
Allergist/Immunologist | Specializes in diagnosing and managing allergies and immune disorders |
Pulmonologist | Focuses on respiratory conditions, including asthma and allergic reactions |
Dermatologist | Deals with skin-related allergies and conditions like eczema and contact dermatitis |
ENT (Otolaryngologist) | Manages allergies affecting the ears, nose, and throat, including sinusitis |
Pediatrician | Specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies in children |
The best specialist for allergies is an Allergist/Immunologist, as they specialize in diagnosing and managing allergies and immune disorders.
Conclusion
Discover the various tests and procedures used in allergy diagnosis, from skin tests and blood tests to elimination diets and oral food challenges. These tests can help identify allergens and guide treatment for individuals with allergies.
Reference
There is no single "best" diagnostic test for allergies, as the type of test used depends on the specific allergy being evaluated and the patient's individual circumstances. Some common tests include skin prick tests, blood tests, and oral food challenges.
No, a CBC (complete blood count) cannot detect allergies directly. However, it may show certain changes that can suggest the presence of an allergic reaction, such as an increase in the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) or changes in the levels of certain inflammatory markers.
Testing for allergies at home is not recommended as it may not be accurate and can lead to incorrect self-diagnosis and treatment. It is best to consult a healthcare professional who can perform reliable allergy tests and provide proper treatment.
Manage allergy symptoms with medication, lifestyle changes, and immunotherapy. Avoid allergens and work with a healthcare provider to find the right treatment plan.
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