Allergy testing is a test that allows us to slotxo know what we are allergic to. In order to avoid our exposure to those allergens, either through our intention or from our knowledge. And protect yourself from the risk of allergy
There are many different ways to test for allergies. But skin allergy test It's the easiest, quickest, accurate and least dangerous method. More importantly, the cost is much less than other methods as well.
The diagnosis of an allergy relies on both a past and current history of illness. Family history Physical examination comes together to diagnose the most exact disease. It also helps isolate diseases that may not be caused by allergies. But there are other physical ailments as well. Sometimes the history and physical examination are not clear. Requires laboratory test results And special tests for direct allergy such as
Allergy examinations are performed by a skin test. There are several methods such as skin pricking. Injection into the skin Paste of allergens to the skin
Blood collection for Immunoglobulin E (IgE) allergen.
Some diseases require direct testing for individual allergens, such as patients who develop allergic reactions after eating. Giving food that is thought to be a gradual, step-by-step allergy is a gold standard for diagnosis.
However, the Skin prick test is the easiest, quick, accurate, less dangerous and less expensive method than other methods.
What is a skin prick test?
A prick skin test is a drop of a solution extracted from allergens such as dust mites, pollen, grass, fungi, cow's milk, eggs, or seafood. Into the skin on the area to be tested To see if you are allergic to any substances If allergic reaction occurs, red bumps and itching occurs.
Benefits of allergy testing With a skin test
To diagnose allergies in conjunction with clinical manifestations
For use in epidemiological studies of allergy events in different populations.
To monitor the results of treatment by injecting allergens under the skin.
Who is the skin allergy test suitable for?
Allergy Or have a family history of allergies
People with a history of asthma as a child.
Can be done at any age But the test results are very accurate in patients older than 6 months.
Test cases in the elderly May find many false negative results Because the sensitivity of the skin is less In addition, there may be an underlying disease. Or medications that are taken regularly This interferes with the reaction of the skin to that allergen, so a blood sample may be required to be considered.
Types of allergy skin prick tests
There are two types of skin allergy tests that differ depending on the source of the allergen the patient is exposed to:
Skin allergy tests to test for food allergens Caused by foods that are in Thai / foreign food that are eaten regularly, such as cow's milk, egg white, egg yolk, peanut, wheat flour, corn starch, soybean meal, chocolate, kiwi, pork, beef, chicken and a variety of seafood, etc.
Skin allergy test to test airborne allergens They are common in Thailand such as dust mites, cockroaches, cat feathers, dog feathers, duck feathers, feathers, mosquitoes, pollen, grass and 3 species of fungi
How to do a skin allergy test with poke
Start by cleaning the skin to be tested (arm / back) and drop in a solution which is extracted from various allergens, then use the sterile needle tip to gently poke the epidermis. Then wait for the results only 15-20 minutes if the patient is allergic to any substance. The skin at the place where the test was dropped Will have a reddish bump reaction
Preparing for the allergy skin prick test
Good preparation of the patient is an important step in obtaining accurate and accurate results. Always consult with an allergist, allergist and clinical immunologist. This is because there is a preparation process and a number of interfering factors in the test can produce a false positive result. Or false negative results in both cases, the preparation before the test should be performed as follows
Abstain from all kinds of drugs, especially antihistamines, sleeping pills, motion sickness medicine, seasickness Certain types of antidepressants Cold medicine, packaged, vitamins, herbal supplements, eye drops for allergy at least 7 days before the test. But there are exceptions when certain medications are required regularly, such as diabetes drugs, heart medications, high blood pressure medications. Oral-nasal steroid sprays for allergies and asthma may be considered available. If in doubt, consult a specialist, allergist and clinical immunologist. Or the doctor who will always do the test first
Should not apply the lotion on both arms on the day of the test. Because it will make the test reagent not adhere to the skin And waste time washing it off before doing
Should be discontinued steroid topical drugs as well. Because if applied for a long time May interfere with the test re