Medical Tests & Diagnosis Methods/Tools

The diagnostic tests for Allergy include:

1. Skin Prick Test (SPT)
2. Total IgE Test
3. Range of Specific IgE Test
4. Phadiatop Assay
5. Specific IgE Pediatric Food Mix fx5

Skin Prick Test:
Skin prick test is a common and simple method of diagnosing allergy. In this test small amount of suspected allergens are injected either intra-dermally or into the scratching made in the patient’s skin. Patient allergic to any of the allergen shows a visible inflammation after half an hour.

Skin Prick Test (SPT) only responds to allergens used in the test. In cases where patient is allergic to any other allergen, this test will not show. Some patients with delayed type hypersensitivity may be adversely affected by the test.

Total IgE Test:
Patient serum IgE test is another method used for determining Type I hypersensitivity. The test provides useful indication for allergy. This test however is not considered conclusive. The test measures total IgE value and is said to be only to report existence of allergy 60% of the time [Labspec, 2006]. The extent of symptoms and type of allergy has an effect on the result. Severe skin allergy shows a higher IgE value than rhinitis or conjunctivitis. [Labspec, 2006] also point out that Standard IgE values appear to vary with ethnicity of the patient.

Range of Specific IgE Test:
Some diagnostic suppliers are manufacturing specific IgE test for allergens. Specific tests for over 400 allergens are available. Some of these specific tests have been approved for routine tests, other are awaiting approval. [Labspec, 2006]

Specific IgE Pediatric Food Mix fx5
His test is similar to Phadiatop Assay, but instead of inhalant allergens, ingestant allergens are tested. This test is still in approval stages for general laboratory use.

See Also:

Allergy: Introduction & Overview
Allergy: Types
Allergy: Causes & Risk Factors
Allergy: Tests and Diagnosis Methods
Allergy: Treatment Options & Prevention