Allergy - Peanut Test

An allergy test is a blood or skin test conducted to determine if the body has an allergic reaction to any substance whether it is food or any other substance. The test can be in the form of a blood test, a skin test, or an elimination diet. Allergies occur when the immune system of the body, which is our body’s natural defense which protects the body from diseases, overreacts to something in our internal or external environment. For example, peanut, which is normally harmless, can cause our body to overreact. This overreaction can lead to: a runny nose, sneezing, blocked sinuses, itchy, Swelling, Redden body, Allergy testing can determine which particular substance whether pollens, molds, or other substances one individual is allergic to. One may be in need of certain medication to treat their body allergies. Alternatively, one individual can also try to avoid being in connection with such substance to protect oneself from allergy triggers.

Immunocap is a Fluorescent enzyme immunoassay which is by far used as a good test instrument in in-vitro allergy lab testing. It can be performed on the body of all human beings irrespective of: Age, Symptom, Disease activity/or severity, Antihistamine medication, Pregnancy, Some other precautions which one should take care of or keep in mind during Allergic Lab Test : Know about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter medicines. Don’t take antihistamines for 3 to 7 days before the test.

Allergy testing can be done as skin tests or as blood tests. There are different two types of skin tests which can be currently used in lab allergic testing. During the first type of skin test, a drop of allergen(peanut) is released on the surface of the skin. The test can be conducted on the back or forearm of the individual. Sometimes a second type of test is also used in allergies testing. In this type, a small amount of the peanut is injected into the skin of the arm or forearm. Skin testing is very fast and spontaneous. It doesn’t take much time testing . For both types of skin tests, positive reactions usually appear within 15 -20 minutes. Sometimes there is a delay in reaction of allergen then redness and swelling occur several hours after testing. The delayed reaction usually disappear within 48 hours. An allergy blood test is often used at times when there is one of the situation : The patient is taking a medicine that can dissolve with skin testing, but cannot be stopped for some time. The individual is suffering from a major skin condition. Testing with peanut may cause an extra large positive reaction For infants and young kids, a single needle stick for allergy testing can be better than several skin tests. A blood test in addition to considering history is a good tool in making a clear and correct variation between those patients that have symptoms related to allergies and those who do not.