An allergy blood test measures the concentration of immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is an indicator of allergen sensitisation. Allergy blood tests can be requested by your doctor from most laboratories. No specialist referral is required.
An allergy blood test can test for sensitisation to hundreds of allergens, such as weeds, trees, pollen, mould, food, and animal dander—all with just one blood sample.
Allergy blood tests delivers exceptional accuracy with up to 95% sensitivity
Results could help you and your doctor find the right combination of medications and other precautions to help manage your child’s allergic symptoms
Allergy blood tests are reimbursed by most Medical Aid schemes
Here are some common Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Allergen Component Testing?
Allergen component testing is a new technology that pinpoints sensitisation to specific allergen components (proteins) of a substance that may be causing a patient’s symptoms.
How does Allergen Component Testing help doctors?
Allergen Component Testing helps the doctor:
- Identify primary, species-specific, allergen components (proteins) that cause allergic sensitisation in patients
- Assess the patient’s risk of an allergic reaction to those proteins found in certain foods
- Provide clarity regarding the patient’s risk of allergic reaction to ease fears and help target effective management: ensure relevant dietary modifications and medications, determine appropriateness of a patient for oral food challenge testing
Do I need to see a specialist/allergist to have the test?
No. While an allergy specialist can request the allergy blood test, your doctor can also request it. You go to a laboratory to have the blood drawn and the results are sent back to your doctor, who will then review them with you.
Do you need to stop taking medication to have an allergy blood test?
No. Allergy medications will not affect the test results.
Do you need a lot of blood or have to stick me/my child multiple times?
No. Multiple allergens can be tested in one blood sample; only one needle stick is required.
Can I/my child have an allergy blood test while a skin rash is present?
Yes. While severe skin rashes make it difficult to interpret skin prick tests, this is not the case with a blood test.
At what age can a child have an allergy blood test?
Children as young as 3 months can get accurate results from this test without the discomfort of multiple skin pricks.
Will I get same day results?
No. It will take only a few days for the results to be sent back to your doctor.
What are peanut component tests?
Peanut component tests are a group of tests, carefully selected to evaluate peanut IgE sensitisation patterns at the protein level. This level of detail allows the doctor to assess the patient’s risk of allergic reaction and to differentiate between symptoms caused by cross-reactive proteins versus primary, species-specific proteins.
Are there any additional Allergen Component Tests available?
Allergen Component Tests are commercially available for common allergens such as peanuts, cow’s milk, wheat and hen’s egg.
Why request an Allergen Component Test if I know I have symptoms when exposed to a specific food?
Allergen Component Tests help identify antibodies to the components (proteins) in the food associated with the allergic reactions as well as antibodies to other proteins that may be less likely to cause an allergic reaction. The test results help provide greater clarity and allows for a plan of action for the doctor and the patient.
Are allergy blood tests covered by Medical Aid schemes?
The tests are covered by most medical aid schemes.
Is an allergy blood test beneficial?4
Yes. An allergy blood test is a powerful tool in making an adequate diagnosis that may improve your well being.
1. Wood RA, et al. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2007;99(1):34-41. 2. Wang J, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;121(5):1219-1224. 3. Johansson SGO. Expert Rev Mol Diagn. 2004;4(3):273-279. 4. Boyce JA, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2010;126(6 suppl):S5-S58.
