Allergy tests are carried out to show the factors that cause allergic reactions. Provocation, skin tests and blood tests allow to assess the degree of sensitization. Allergy recognition is almost XNUMX% effective.
Every fourth person in Poland is allergic. Many people experience mild symptoms such as a runny nose, but some of us are at risk of an asthma attack or even anaphylactic shock. Untreated inhalant allergy can lead to lung failure, so it is worth determining what makes us allergic.
Allergy tests can be performed on newborns, children and adults. They are not performed on people with a pacemaker. Tests are carried out for allergies to animals, pollen, dust mites, molds, food products and metals. If the test result is positive, it is worth undergoing desensitization.
How do allergy tests work in practice?
People who want to perform allergy tests face a choice of three methods.
odos testai Allergen drops are placed on the forearm or back and the skin is punctured. The kit usually contains 15-20 different samples. In children, thematic panels are often used, which contain a mixture of allergens, e.g. grasses, fur, and detailed tests are carried out only after a positive result. This reduces the number of punctures. Redness and a wheal appearing within 20 minutes of the sting confirm an allergy. The cost of skin tests ranges from PLN 70-150.
Antibodies in a blood test – they are used to determine IgE antibodies to pollen, mold, mite and animal allergens. They are indicated for people whose allergies manifest themselves so strongly that they cannot give up antihistamines, which they should not take 10-14 days before the scheduled date of the examination, if their health allows. Blood tests are also performed in children up to 3 years of age and in the event of a dissonance between the medical history and the result of skin tests, or intensification of allergy symptoms on the skin. Checking a single allergen costs PLN 35-50. The price of screening tests arranged in panels, depending on the number of allergens, ranges from PLN 75-240.
provokacija – provocative tests consist in applying a cotton swab soaked in an allergen sample to the nose or the allergen is sprayed directly into the nose. The provocation method is usually used before desensitization, thanks to which the specialist assesses what causes the greatest sensitization.
Before the tests…
At least one week before the visit, you should stop taking antihistamines and cortisone drugs. On the day of the examination, we do not smoke, we give up alcohol, strong coffee and tea. It would be good to wear clothes made of natural materials. Do not eat anything 2-3 hours before the tests.