Allergy Test

Our allergy test is a fast and cost-effective way of screening for 38 of the most common allergies including foods and inhalants. Using ELISA testing for raised IgE antibodies, this simple blood spot test offers accurate validated lab results to enable you to adjust your diet or lifestyle to reduce or avoid triggers. Understanding the causes of life-changing allergies in one simple test.

Results are delivered to you via one easy-to-understand report. The personal allergy report includes the following key elements:

– Explanations of the testing process.
– IgE reactions to items screened.
– Elimination diet recommendations.

Raised IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies are a recognised indicator of an allergy reaction. Allergy reactions are usually less common than intolerances and present as a more immediate reaction in the body.

Our expert team of allergy technicians and lab managers have over 20 years of combined experience in allergy & intolerance testing and work from our category 2, ISO9001 accredited Allergy and intolerance testing laboratory.

How to take your sample

1

Receive your testing kit in the post.

2

Clean your finger and use the finger prick to take your sample.

3

Fill the blood spot card with your sample.

4

Send your sample to our labs for testing.

The Science

This test uses the IgE in your blood sample for allergy testing, but what does that mean?

IgE antibodies are a key feature in the humoral immune response, fighting potentially dangerous antigens, which are foreign substances like bacteria, parasitic worms, and viruses that keep our bodies safe (1,2).

Why IgE?

IgE antibodies are associated with the activation of an inflammatory response known as an immediate (Type I or Type 1) allergy. When an IgE antibody recognises a specific potential threat antigen, it activates the release of histamine compounds following an inflammatory response (2,3). Allergies can be life-threatening and we use this specific antibody to help identify those items that could potentially be the cause of your symptoms in the Allergy Screen. In this case, the lab team at Allergy Test Ireland will specifically look at the immunological response.

There are also allergies that are non- IgE mediated by antibodies. Our tests are not able to detect there. We use IgE antibodies exclusively for allergies and our tests are not used for the diagnosis of acute or chronic food allergies. To find out more about the science of IgE testing, click here.

References
1. Velikova T et al. Methods for detection of food intolerance. RAdvFoodSci: 2018: 1(3): 106-119
2. Ortolani C, Ispano M, Pastorello E, Bigi A, Ansaloni R, The oral allergy syndrome. Ann Allergy. 1988; 61: 47-52
3. Waserman S, Watson W, Food allergy. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2011; 7 (1): S7.

What’s inside the testing kit?

1 x Alcohol wipe
1 x Band-aid
1 x Absorbent pad
1 x Six Spot Blood Card
2 x Lancets CE 0344 (pin-prick system)
1 x Return envelope
1 x Activation card with an adhesive label

• Raised IgE values prove clinically significant in identifying an IgE-Mediated Allergy.
• CE approved sample collection kit.
• Results do not constitute a medical diagnosis on their own, but may be used by your doctor or nutritional therapist to help form a diagnosis or rule out a condition.
• Quantitative data using an ELISA testing methodology. All values measured in Kilounits per antigen per litre (KUA/L), our scale uses a universal cut off point of 0.35 in classifying a reaction.
• >97% reproducible results.

Important

Blood (ELISA) tests define an intolerance/sensitivity as a specific IgG4 antibody reaction and an allergy as a specific IgE antibody reaction (IgE-Mediated).

All information in the reports produced is intended to support nutritional advice to optimise your diet. The results cannot be used to diagnose, treat or cure medical/health conditions.

The use of antihistamines prior to or during the blood sample collection process may affect your results, please contact our team for further advice.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health providers if you have a medical condition and/or medical symptoms. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it.

• Same day dispatch on orders placed by midday
• Easy return envelope enclosed with your kit
• 14-day cancellation period if you change your mind
• Fast track option available at the checkout, get your blood results within 48 hours of your sample arriving at our laboratory
• Nutritional therapist sessions available at checkout are used to discuss your blood results.