Allergies cause immune system reactions ranging from a runny nose to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Allergy testing measures the amount of allergy (IgE) antibodies in your blood. Allergy antibodies are produced when your body reacts to substances that you might be allergic to, such as specific foods.
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A variety of methods is available for allergen-specific IgE tests. The traditional RAST (RadioAllergoSorbent Test) test has been replaced with a newer IgE –specific immunoassay method. All allergen IgE tests are referred to as RAST tests by some Doctors even though this is a specific test method and may not be the same method used in the laboratory.
To determine what substance is triggering an allergic reaction, your blood can be tested against common allergens in the laboratory. The severity of an allergic response is due to a combination of genetic background and the extent of exposure to allergens.
Unlike a skin prick test, the results of an allergy test may take a few days. In our lab, a sample of your blood is exposed to different allergens (substances) that you may be allergic to. Elevated levels of IgE indicate an allergic reaction. Most allergies can be dealt with by managing your lifestyle and through medication and avoidance. In some cases, your reaction to a specific allergen is not IgE mediated and may not be confirmed by this test.
Generally, inhaled allergens such as dust mites, tree, grass or weed pollens will produce respiratory symptoms. Ingested (food) allergies will produce skin and/or gastrointestinal symptoms or anaphylaxis. However, both types of allergens (ingested and inhaled) can produce the full spectrum of allergy symptoms.
In order to deal with allergy symptoms most effectively, it is first necessary to determine what is causing an allergy. Allergy tests provide specific information about what you are allergic to and indicate what foods and inhalants are associated with antibodies that may cause allergic reactions.
