Allergy Test Extensive

Yes, this is a test for IgE-mediated allergy response. Non-IgE mediated reactions, such as food sensitivities or intolerances, cannot be measured by this test. The results of this test indicate IgE reactivity to certain allergens. However, it is possible elevated IgE levels are not associated with allergy symptoms. The results of this test should be interpreted with whether symptoms occur after exposure to the allergen. Allergy diagnosis should be confirmed with a doctor who can review your history of symptoms, and not from test results alone.

Allergies are strong, immediate immune reactions to a particular substance, also known as an allergen. Allergens can include foods, medications, pollens, dust mites, or spores. This reaction causes a release of histamines and IgE antibodies, prompting symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, tingling mouth, and swelling of the eyes, lips, tongue, and throat. 

This test is less suitable if your symptoms are consistent with a food intolerance, such as lactose or gluten intolerance. These are not IgE-mediated reactions and are not measured by this test. If you have had very severe allergic reactions in the past, it is advisable to consult a doctor beforehand.

This comprehensive allergy test is suitable if you experience long-term or unexplained allergy symptoms and want to investigate what you may be allergic to. The test can help with symptoms for which no clear cause has yet been found, such as persistent skin complaints, respiratory complaints or fatigue.

The cause of allergies is still unclear, but there are many theories. One possibility, according to researchers, is genetics. Many studies have found that allergies can be hereditary, meaning children are more likely to have allergies if their parents had them too. Diet and environmental factors, including exposure to allergens during childhood, are also believed to play a role in allergy development, but there is no conclusive evidence on exactly how this occurs.

Once the sample has reached our laboratory, results can be obtained in a matter of hours. Generally, it usually takes a total of 2-4 weeks for the results to be made available.

Blood tests are one way to detect and diagnose allergies. Allergy blood tests measure the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the blood. If IgE antibodies are elevated for a specific allergen it may mean that you have an allergy. Allergy blood tests are recommended if skin testing is not possible, such as if a large number of allergens need to be tested or there is a risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Blood testing for allergies is a valuable testing method that is easy to use. However, there is always a chance of false negative or positive results, particularly for allergens known for cross-reactivity. All test results from an allergy blood test should be confirmed with a healthcare professional before an allergy diagnosis can be made. 

In rare cases, a sample cannot be evaluated, for example if an insufficient amount of blood was collected. In that case, Homed-IQ will contact you and provide instructions for a new sample collection.

After analysis, your blood sample is destroyed in accordance with medical guidelines. The laboratory processes only a unique test code and does not use personal data when handling the sample.

A negative result means that no elevated IgE response has been detected for the allergens tested. This does not completely rule out an allergy, especially if you have not been exposed to the allergen recently. If symptoms persist, discuss the results with your doctor.