The document outlines various allergy testing methods, including skin prick tests, specific IgE blood tests, patch testing, and elimination diets with challenge testing. It emphasizes the importance of consulting qualified specialists for accurate diagnosis and management of allergies based on symptoms. A collaborative approach with a healthcare team is crucial for effective diagnosis and action planning.

1. DIFFERENT TYPES OF
ALLERGY TESTING
NOVEMBER 2016

2. ALLERGY TESTING HAS
DIFFERENT PROCEDURES
A lot of hospitals are staffed with allergy
testing specialists and highly qualified
immunologists. So make sure that with the help
of your GP you go to the right person.

3. Based on the symptoms you have
provided, the specialist will make a
list of allergens to be tested for.

4. This method is considered the primary method of diagnoses for most allergens, but
particularly for low-risk cases where systemic allergic reactions have been observed.
The prick enables a small amount of purified allergen to penetrate. If the patient is
allergic to the substance, there will be a reaction within 20 minutes.
01 SKIN PRICK TEST

5. 02 SPECIFIED IGE BLOOD TEST
These tests are recommended by the GP when skin testing is not
possible or inconclusive. This test establishes the level of IgE (which is
a group of antibodies) in the blood. The results indicate to the specialist
when allergen is the culprit.

6. 03 PATCH TESTING
This form of testing is commonly used to diagnose contact
dermatitis. People are often allergic to certain perfumes, metals
and sometimes plants (poison ivy gets its name for a reason).
When a patch containing the substance is applied to the skin, a
positive result will show as a blister or rash under the patch.

7. It’s a long test and can take weeks. In the initial stages of
the test the person only consumes foods not suspected to
be allergens. Then there is a ‘challenge’ – from a food
suspected to be an allergen.
04 ELIMINATE DIETS AND
CHALLENGE TESTING

8. Often one test cannot
conclusively diagnose an allergen
and a combination of tests may
need to be conducted for
certainty.

9. A GOOD TEAM COMPRISING YOR GP, ALLERGIST
AND / OR A QUALIFIED IMMUNOLOGIST
SHOULD BE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE YOUR ALLERGY
AND PREPARE AN ACTION PLAN TO HELP YOU
MANAGE IT.

10. CALL 13 26 60
FOR EMERGENCIES CALL 000