The allergy blood test measures the amount of IgE antibodies in your blood. These antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to allergenic substances, such as pollen, dust, food or animal fur. By analysing specific IgE levels to different allergens, doctors can identify which substances trigger allergic reactions in your body.
We can also tell how severe the reaction is (i.e. how allergic you are to a substance) by how high this IgE level is.
Common allergies include:
- Respiratory Allergies (e.g. breathing difficulty due to pollen or dust mites)
- Food Allergies (e.g. nuts, shellfish)
- Cutaneous (Skin) Allergies (e.g. common household chemicals, garden plants, animal fur)
- Insect Allergies (e.g. bee stings)
- Drug Allergies (e.g. penicillin)
So with a simple blood test you can be tested for multiple allergens. No need for uncomfortable skin prick testing and it is also safe to test this way for severe allergies (anaphylaxis).
You do not need to stop your usual anti-histamine medication before carrying out the testing either, which is another advantage.
If you suffer from persistent allergies, consider talking to one of our doctors about having your blood tested for allergies. It is an important step towards well-being and control of your allergic reactions.
The process is quick and simple. A small blood sample is collected and sent to the laboratory for analysis. In a short time, you will receive a detailed report with the results.
At Oval Medical Centre you receive humanized care from a multilingual team.