WHAT WE CAN DOBlood Allergy Testing
Providing a 360° Picture. A powerful diagnostic tool to help your patients understand their allergy triggers
Blood Allergy Testing
Allergy symptoms are a reaction of your immune system to an irritant or an allergen. In response, your immune system releases immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies to fight off the irritant or allergen. AIM Laboratories measures both the number of IgE antibodies in your blood as well as the patient’s response to specific allergens.
Blood Testing vs. Traditional Skin Prick
Blood testing and skin prick testing are the most common tests used today to determine the likely cause of allergy triggers. While a skin prick has traditionally been the more common test performed, there are clear benefits to ordering a blood test.
- Unlike skin testing, blood testing does not require the patient to stop using antihistamines five to seven days prior to testing- a particular concern for patients with severe allergies who cannot stop taking medication.
- Patients with sensitive skin or hives may produce false positive results on a skin test.
- Blood testing can actually determine the exact proteins in a food that a patient is allergic to, and can even predict the severity of his or her allergic reaction
- Blood testing allows the allergic reaction to occur outside the body, so there is no risk of side effects or reactions on the part of the patient
What is being tested?
The test is measuring the amount of allergen-specific IgE in the blood. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) are antibodies that are produced by the immune system to protect the body against perceived threats (bacteria, viruses, and allergens). IgE antibodies are normally found in very small amounts in the blood, but higher amounts may be found when the body overreacts to allergens.
What is the difference between total IgE and specific IgE testing?
A total IgE test measures the overall number of IgE antibodies in your blood, while a specific IgE test measures the level of IgE antibodies in response to individual allergens.
When should the test be ordered?
The blood allergy test should be ordered when a person has periodic or persistent symptoms that suggest an allergic reaction.
What is the test methodology?
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- AIM to provide answer
What does the test result mean?
An elevated IgE level indicates that the patient likely has one or more allergies. A negative results indicates the patient most likely does not have an allergy to the specific allergens tested.
How long will it take for results to be reported?
Answer from AIM
How will results be reported?
AIM to provide
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