Allergen Tests
Allergen tests are laboratory and skin tests aimed at identifying the body’s sensitivity to various allergens that cause allergic reactions. Diagnosis helps determine specific substances causing intolerance and select effective treatment or prevention.
Main allergy diagnostic methods
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) — detects levels of specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) to various allergens in blood. Allows determination of sensitivity to food, dust, fungal, drug, and other allergens.
- Immunochemiluminescent assay (ICLA) — a highly sensitive method based on antigen-antibody reaction with fluorescent or chemiluminescent labeling.
- Multiplex molecular tests (e.g., ImmunoCAP, ALEX) — enable simultaneous testing of hundreds of allergens and their components, providing high diagnostic accuracy.
- Skin tests (prick tests) — in vivo method where allergen drops are applied on the skin with small pricks (prick test), patches (patch test), or microinjections under the skin. Skin reaction (redness, swelling) is assessed after 15-20 minutes or 48 hours (for patch test).
- Provocation tests — allergen introduction into nose, eyes, respiratory or digestive tract under medical supervision to evaluate body’s response.
Indications for allergen testing
- Suspected allergic diseases (rhinitis, asthma, dermatitis, food allergy).
- Identifying causes of food or drug intolerance.
- Preparation for vaccination and allergy treatment.
- Monitoring therapy effectiveness and allergy prevention.
Testing features
- Blood for laboratory tests is usually drawn from a vein fasting.
- Skin tests are performed under allergist supervision considering contraindications (pregnancy, acute infections, skin diseases).
- Multiplex tests detect sensitivity to hundreds of allergens in one analysis.
- Results require specialist interpretation to choose optimal therapy.
Advantages of modern methods
- High sensitivity and specificity.
- Ability for comprehensive analysis of many allergens.
- Minimized risk of complications compared to skin tests.
- Suitable for patients with contraindications to skin tests.
Allergen tests are an important tool in diagnosing and treating allergic diseases. Modern laboratory and skin methods allow precise allergen identification and selection of effective treatment, improving patients’ quality of life.