An allergy is an unusual reaction of the immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances that does not bother most other people. We must also know that most people who have allergies may be allergic not only to a single substance, most of the time they are sensitive to more than one thing. Any substance that can trigger an allergic reaction is called an allergen. To identify the specific substance that triggers your allergies, an allergy testing should be done.
An allergy testing is a very important factor for early diagnosis and prevention of allergy attack. The allergen-specific IgE antibody test is done to screen for an allergy (a type I hypersensitivity) to a specific substance or substances when a patient presents with acute or chronic allergy-like symptoms. Allergy tests are intended to obtain the most definite information possible so your doctor can determine what you are allergic to and provide the best treatment.
A skin test, or sometimes blood test, and the use of commonly troublesome allergens are included in an allergy test.
- Prick test technique - Skin prick testing (SPT) is a cheap, rapid and accurate way of identifying the causative allergens in the atopic individual. Atopy is characterised by an overactive immune response to environmental factors and has a strong genetic component. It usually manifests clinically as one or more of the characteristic disorders of asthma, eczema, or hay fever (rhinitis). Other conditions that may sometimes benefit from skin prick testing include acute urticaria and angioedema, and bee and wasp stings, especially if immunotherapy is being considered.
- Patch test - this test is probably the best test to determine the specific allergen that causes contact dermatitis. The suspected allergens are applied to the patient's back under dressings and allowed to remain in contact with the skin for 48 hours. The area is then examined for evidence of delayed hypersensitivity reactions.
- Challenge test - For the challenge test, you swallow a very small amount of the suspected allergen, usually in a capsule. If there is no reaction, your allergist gradually gives you more until a reaction is noted. Because of the risk of a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis, challenge tests are done in a clinical setting and are only performed when absolutely necessary.
- Blood (RAST) test - A RAST test makes use of an extracted blood of the client, detects the amount of IgE that reacts specifically with suspected or known allergens. It is worth noting that a person who has outgrown an allergy may still have positive IgE years after exposure.
- Intradermal - another method of skin testing to help determine whether an individual is allergic to a specific allergen. It involves injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin with a syringe. After about 20 minutes the area is examined for a reaction at the site. A typical reaction looks like a small hive with swelling and redness. This form of testing is more sensitive than the prick skin test method.
An allergy is an unusual reaction of the immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances that does not bother most other people. We must also know that most people who have allergies may be allergic not only to a single substance, most of the time they are sensitive to more than one thing. Any substance that can trigger an allergic reaction is called an allergen. To identify the specific substance that triggers your allergies, an allergy testing should be done.
An allergy testing is a very important factor for early diagnosis and prevention of allergy attack. The allergen-specific IgE antibody test is done to screen for an allergy (a type I hypersensitivity) to a specific substance or substances when a patient presents with acute or chronic allergy-like symptoms. Allergy tests are intended to obtain the most definite information possible so your doctor can determine what you are allergic to and provide the best treatment.
A skin test, or sometimes blood test, and the use of commonly troublesome allergens are included in an allergy test.
- Prick test technique - Skin prick testing (SPT) is a cheap, rapid and accurate way of identifying the causative allergens in the atopic individual. Atopy is characterised by an overactive immune response to environmental factors and has a strong genetic component. It usually manifests clinically as one or more of the characteristic disorders of asthma, eczema, or hay fever (rhinitis). Other conditions that may sometimes benefit from skin prick testing include acute urticaria and angioedema, and bee and wasp stings, especially if immunotherapy is being considered.
- Patch test - this test is probably the best test to determine the specific allergen that causes contact dermatitis. The suspected allergens are applied to the patient's back under dressings and allowed to remain in contact with the skin for 48 hours. The area is then examined for evidence of delayed hypersensitivity reactions.
- Challenge test - For the challenge test, you swallow a very small amount of the suspected allergen, usually in a capsule. If there is no reaction, your allergist gradually gives you more until a reaction is noted. Because of the risk of a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis, challenge tests are done in a clinical setting and are only performed when absolutely necessary.
- Blood (RAST) test - A RAST test makes use of an extracted blood of the client, detects the amount of IgE that reacts specifically with suspected or known allergens. It is worth noting that a person who has outgrown an allergy may still have positive IgE years after exposure.
- Intradermal - another method of skin testing to help determine whether an individual is allergic to a specific allergen. It involves injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin with a syringe. After about 20 minutes the area is examined for a reaction at the site. A typical reaction looks like a small hive with swelling and redness. This form of testing is more sensitive than the prick skin test method.
Author : amber
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/How-To-Prevent-That-Sudden-Allergy-Attack/1050091
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