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Allergy Screening Tests And What You Need To Know

Allergy screening tests are essential in the detection and treatment of allergies. Here is what you need to know about this type of test. 

The allergy screening test is one of the most effective diagnostic methods in detecting and treating allergic diseases. Through the allergen test, the doctor will find out the exact cause of allergies in people. Depending on the  allergy symptoms and the patient’s condition, the doctor may prescribe an allergen test or a 36-allergen test, 60-allergen test,… 

1. What Is Allergen? 

Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions. They may perceive them as foreign objects or substances that are dangerous to one person but may be normal to another. Depending on the host factor of each person, the allergens that cause allergies are also different. 

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Depending on the host factor of each person, the allergens that cause allergies are also different. 

Allergens are substances that cause allergic reactions. Depending on the host factor of each person, the allergens that cause allergies are also different. 

Allergies are immune reactions to an allergen that causes damage or dysfunction to specific organs in the body. Depending on the cause of the allergy, the patient will have different clinical manifestations. People with allergies may experience some of the following conditions: 

  • Allergic rhinitis: itchy nose, runny nose, nasal congestion, conjunctivitis, … 
  • Atopic dermatitis: red, itchy skin, peeling or peeling skin,… 
  • Food allergies: itchy mouth, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue or swelling of the face and throat, anaphylaxis,… 
  • Allergy caused by insect stings: itching, body rash, cough, wheezing, chest tightness, anaphylaxis,… 
  • Allergy to certain drugs can cause hives, rash, itchy skin, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, etc. 
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Red, itchy skin, or peeling skin,… is one of the common manifestations of allergies. 

2. Common Allergy Screening Methods

Allergy screening testing is an effective method to help you prevent and treat allergies today.  Below are the commonly used tests. 

2.1 Allergen-specific IgE test (Allergen Panel)

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IgE testing is done by taking a blood sample at any time of the day.  

The IgE test is  the most common allergy screening test available today, helping to detect many different allergens simultaneously. Usually, doctors will order testing for patients with a chronic allergy but have not found the cause or who have symptoms of the allergy to one or more substances.

IgE testing is done by taking a blood sample at any time of the day. Patients can eat and drink freely without affecting the test results. 

2.2 Skin prick test 

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The doctor uses the skin prick test to find the allergen for food allergy, drug allergy, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis,…

A skin prick test is a test in which one or more allergens are injected into the skin. Then, based on the size and characteristics of the edematous nodules, the local inflammatory response to know whether the body is allergic to that type of allergen or not?  

There are two types of testing for this allergen: 

  • Prick test or scratch test: uses a small needle containing an antigen to prick the skin. 
  • Patch test or pressure test: use a patch containing the allergen to stick to the skin’s surface. 

If an immune response is seen with redness,  urticaria, or possibly anaphylaxis, the patient is known to be allergic to the tested allergen. The doctor may order other tests to determine the cause of the allergen. 

Usually, the skin prick test is used by the doctor to find out the allergen in the case of food allergy, drug allergy, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis,… 

2.3 Serum test

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The serological test is for chronic idiopathic urticaria. 

If the patient has urticaria lasting more than six months, the doctor will order a serological test to identify chronic idiopathic urticaria. The doctor will use the patient’s serum to inject into the patient’s skin. 

2.4 Drug challenge test

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Drug challenge tests help rule out drug allergies and ensure the safety of some drugs. 

This method eliminates the possibility of drug allergies, ensures the safety of some drugs, avoids cross-reactions between drugs, etc., so patients can use it without concern. A drug challenge test uses medicine with a controlled dose to enter the body naturally.

3. Where to get allergy testing in HCM city? How much?

Name of image: Diag Laboratories is a reputable, quality allergy screening test address in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Allergy screening tests help patients find the cause of the disease, assess the level of risk, and know-how to prevent and treat the condition effectively. However, choosing a reputable, good-quality allergy test  is a concern of many people. 

Diag Laboratories is one of the reputable medical diagnosis centers in Ho Chi Minh City that offers a variety of allergy testing services for you to choose from, such as allergy screening tests (Phadiatop), food allergy screening tests, seafood allergy testing, and allergy testing. Products, IgE testing, Panel 1, Panel 4 tests,… Experienced medical team with modern equipment and machinery systems for quick and accurate results. 

The cost of allergy testing at Diag Laboratories depends on your chosen test panel. For example, the allergy screening panel (Phadiatop) costs VND 220,000, and an IgE test costs VND 130,000. For more information about test panels and test prices for 60 allergens, IgE,… do not hesitate to contact the hotline at 1900 1717  for advice and book the appointment as soon as possible.

See test prices here:  Diag 

The site cannot and does not contain medical advice. The medical information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Accordingly, before taking any actions based upon such information, we encourage you to consult with the appropriate professionals.