Allergy - Mixed Panel Test

Allergy is caused when a person is exposed to an allergen which releases a number of immune system chemicals, such as histamine that results in allergy. There are three type of allergens which are inhaled allergens, ingested allergens and contact allergens. Allergy tests are conducted by trained specialists to identify any reaction caused to an individual due to a particular substance. Allergies can be determined by carrying out examination of the patient in the form of Allergy Skin Testing, Blood Tests, Spirometry (Lung Function Tests), Food Challenges, Medication (Drug) Challenge, Aspirin Desensitization, Patch Testing . Allergy tests involve exposing you to a very small amount of a particular allergen and recording the reaction.

While preparing for the allergy test, the doctor may obtain sufficient information pertaining to the patient's lifestyle, family history, etc. The doctor will further carry out a physical examination to identify any changes on the patient's body. Further, the doctors may advise the patients to avoid certain medication in order to prevent their effect on the upcoming test and to obtain an optimum result. The medications to be prevented may include the following: Prescription and over-the-counter antihistamines. Certain heartburn treatment medications, such as famotidine (Pepcid). Anti-IgE monoclonal antibody asthma treatment, omalizumab (Xolair). Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan). Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil).

Skin testing- This is used to evaluate for suspected environmental or seasonal allergies, food allergy, stinging insect allergy, and certain drug/medication allergies. Blood testing-Blood tests are used to investigate certain allergies, other disorders of the immune system including angioedema, chronic urticaria and primary immunodeficiency disorders. Spirometry test -This is a type of lung function test that we use to specifically evaluate for asthma. Food/drug testing-This is performed in selected individuals to confirm a food/drug allergy or to determine if they may tolerate a food/drug that they are currently avoiding. Aspirin Desensitization-This is a specialized procedure that is performed over a few days with the goal of inducing one’s ability to temporarily tolerate aspirin. Patch testing-This is used to evaluate for an underlying trigger/agent in individuals who develop contact dermatitis. Hence, these are the various uses of the allergy testing procedures.

Allergy skin testing - During skin testing the suspected allergen is placed on the skin and the test results are read after 15 minutes.There are 2 methods for skin testing: prick skin testing and intradermal skin testing. Blood testing - blood tests called specific IgE tests also known as RAST is undertaken to complete their allergy evaluation. Spirometry test - The patient is asked to inhale deeply and then forcefully exhale quickly while blowing into a device that measures your lung function. You repeat this at least 3 times to ensure that the results are consistent. Food and drug challenges- Incremental doses of the food/drug are given to the patient starting with a very small quantity.After receiving the final dose, the patient undergoes an additional observation period and final assessment. Aspirin Desensitization-Increasing doses of aspirin are given starting with a very small dose and patients are observed and assessed between doses and throughout the procedure. After completing the procedure, the patient will take aspirin daily in order to maintain this ability to tolerate aspirin. Patch testing-The suspected agents are placed in the form of patches on the back. The patches are removed 48 hours later. The results are read 2 to 5 days after the patches are removed, and sometimes up to 10 days after removal.