Inhalation Allergy Test

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.

This inhalation allergy test is intended for symptoms caused by substances in the air, such as pollen, dust mites, mould and animals. If you mainly experience symptoms after eating certain foods, a food allergy test is more suitable. For a very broad analysis of both inhalation and other allergies, the comprehensive allergy test is an option.

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 for symptoms associated with food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten intolerance. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, it is advisable to consult a doctor beforehand.

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. 

This test is ideal for anyone experiencing symptoms like a stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, skin rashes, fatigue, or headaches, which may indicate allergies. Often, these symptoms are confused with the common cold, making allergies hard to diagnose. Allergies are a significant health concern, with various triggers including pollen, pet dander, moulds, and household pests.

An allergic reaction happens when your immune system mistakenly treats harmless substances like pollen or pet dander as threats, triggering IgE antibodies to release histamine. This leads to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes. Allergies can vary from mild to severe and may be seasonal or year-round, depending on exposure levels to these allergens.

In Western-Europe, allergy testing typically involves either a skin prick test or a blood test. The skin prick test involves exposing your skin to allergens to see how you react, while a RAST blood test measures your IgE antibody levels against various allergens. While skin prick tests are usually cheaper, their cost can vary based on health insurance, and they require a doctor's visit due to the risk of immediate allergic reactions.

They also can't be conducted if you're on antihistamines or have certain skin conditions.Blood tests, on the other hand, are a less invasive option that doesn't require stopping medication and can be done without direct exposure to allergens. Our at-home test offers the convenience of checking IgE levels without a visit to the doctor, testing for common inhalation allergens. It's a practical choice for those seeking to understand their allergies from the comfort of home.

Also known as allergic rhinitis, hay fever is an allergic reaction that causes sneezing, runny nose, and watery, itchy eyes. Hay fever is caused by the nose or eyes coming into contact with environmental allergens, such as pollens, grass, dust mites, or animal fur. Hay fever is usually worse between late March and September, especially when it's warm, humid and windy. This is when the pollen count is at its highest.

Hayfever is a type of allergic reaction that occurs in response to common airborne substances in the world around us, such as pollen or dust. While many allergic reactions occur after eating or touching a certain allergen, many of the causes of hay fever are invisible to the human eye. This can cause long-term (chronic) symptoms that can be mistaken as a cold or other illness, and can be difficult to avoid. Hay fever is often seasonal, meaning it occurs when trees, grasses, and weeds release pollen into the air. 

Most people manage hay fever by avoiding allergens in their daily life, as well as using medications such as antihistamines and nasal sprays. Allergy testing can also help to identify potential triggers for hay fever in order to help you to avoid them in the future. It’s important to note that an allergy diagnosis must be made in consultation with a doctor who can consider your test results in conjunction with your symptom history. 

It is suggested to stop allergy medication three days prior to taking this test.

After analysis, the blood sample is destroyed in accordance with medical guidelines. The laboratory only processes a unique test code and no personal data.

A negative result means that no elevated IgE response has been detected for the inhalation 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 GP.

In rare cases, the blood sample may be insufficient for analysis. In that case, Homed-IQ will contact you and you will receive instructions for a new sample collection.