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Overview
The aim of allergy laboratory tests is to use specific IgE antibodies detectable in the blood to determine precisely which substances the body is oversensitive to, and to what degree.
An accurate diagnosis is the basis of effective treatment and the prevention of allergic symptoms.
When is an allergy laboratory test recommended?
Signs that may suggest allergy include:
- persistent or recurring runny nose, sneezing, blocked nose,
- itchy eyes, watering, skin irritation,
- rashes, hives, itching,
- cough, breathlessness, asthma symptoms,
- digestive symptoms (e.g. bloating, abdominal pain after meals),
- unexplained tiredness or headache.
The test is recommended whenever symptoms keep coming back, or seem linked to certain foods, environmental factors or seasons.
A laboratory allergy test helps tell an allergy apart from an intolerance, and can also reveal any cross-allergies.
What does the allergy laboratory test?
From a blood sample, the laboratory measures specific IgE antibodies, whose presence shows which substances the immune system is oversensitive to.
During the test, several groups of allergens can be analysed, including:
- respiratory allergens – pollen, house dust mites, animal hair, mould, feathers,
- food allergens – milk, egg, soya, nuts, fish, shellfish, gluten, etc.,
- insect allergens – bee and wasp venom,
- drug allergens – for example antibiotics, painkillers,
- other environmental allergens, such as latex, fragrances or household chemicals.
Modern laboratory methods make it possible to test several hundred allergens at once from a single blood draw, so the assessment is quick, safe and accurate.
What are these tests for?
With blood-based allergy tests, the doctor:
- get a clear picture of the body’s allergic reactions,
- identify which allergens are causing the symptoms,
- make the diagnosis, or rule out an allergic cause,
- give personalised treatment and lifestyle advice,
- and can help prevent more serious allergic reactions (e.g. asthma, anaphylaxis).
The test is especially useful for chronic symptoms that are hard to pin down, or when you have several complaints at the same time (for example skin and respiratory symptoms).
Sample collection and preparation
The test is done on a venous blood sample, usually on an empty stomach.
Taking the sample is quick, painless and takes no more than a few minutes.
The correct preparation:
- • do not eat for 8–12 hours before the test; drink only water,
- • avoid alcohol, caffeine and physical exertion,
- • taking antihistamines does not affect the result of an allergy test on blood, so they do not need to be stopped before the test,
- • only steroids used systemically (taken by mouth or by injection) and immunosuppressive medicines can lower the IgE level, so in these cases it is sensible to agree the timing of sample collection with the doctor treating you,
- • sample collection can also be done while symptoms are present, because when symptoms are active the IgE level is often higher, so the test is more sensitive.
Evaluating the results
Blood test results can only be properly interpreted by an allergy specialist, taking your symptoms and history into account.
A positive result shows that the immune system is sensitised, but does not always mean a true allergy – so interpretation always needs an individual medical consultation.
Based on the laboratory results, the doctor can decide on the type of treatment: avoiding the allergen, medication or immunotherapy.
Once the allergen is precisely identified, you can be treated in a targeted way, and your everyday quality of life can improve significantly.
The role of allergy laboratory tests in looking after health
Today, allergy is not just a nuisance: in the long term it can also lead to chronic inflammation, asthma and overload of the immune system.
Laboratory allergy tests help us uncover the causes behind the symptoms and tailor treatment precisely to your individual needs.
At Sabjanics Medical Center we place great importance on safe, discreet and empathetic assessment.
Our experienced specialists help every patient understand their test results and support them in achieving a lasting, symptom-free life.
