Types of Allergy Diagnostics

Types of Allergy Diagnostics

Modern allergology has a wide range of diagnostic methods that help identify the cause of an allergic disease and select the optimal treatment strategy.

Consultation and Physical Examination

Diagnosis begins with a consultation with an allergist. The physician takes a detailed history and clarifies the nature and frequency of symptoms, the circumstances in which they occur, their seasonality and any allergic diseases in relatives. Based on this information, the physician determines the next steps of the workup.

Skin Tests (Prick Tests)

Skin tests are one of the main methods of allergy diagnosis. Drops of allergens are applied to the skin of the forearm, and a tiny puncture is made with a special lancet. The result is read after 15–20 minutes based on the size of the wheal and redness. The method is simple and informative and allows a quick assessment of sensitivity to a range of allergens.

Specific IgE Testing in Blood

Measuring specific IgE antibodies in blood is an in vitro laboratory method used when skin tests are contraindicated (for example, during a flare-up of skin disease, while taking antihistamines, or in early childhood). The method is safe and does not require the patient to come into contact with the allergen.

Molecular Allergy Diagnostics

Molecular (component-resolved) allergy diagnostics measures specific IgE not to a whole allergen but to individual allergen components (proteins). The method helps to:

• determine exactly which allergen components the patient is sensitized to;
• distinguish genuine sensitization from cross-reactivity;
• assess the risk of anaphylaxis;
• determine whether allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is appropriate.

Patch Tests

Patch tests are used to diagnose delayed-type allergic reactions, for example in contact dermatitis. Patches containing allergens are applied to the skin of the back for 48 hours, after which the first reading is taken, with a second reading after 72–96 hours. During the test, patients are advised to:

• keep the test area dry;
• avoid strenuous physical activity;
• keep the test area out of the sun.

Provocation Tests

Provocation tests are performed only on strict indications and exclusively in a specialized medical facility under a physician's supervision, because they carry a risk of severe allergic reactions. The method involves administering the suspected allergen and assessing the body's response.

KombiMED provides complete equipment for allergy laboratories, from consumables for prick tests to ImmunoCAP and ImmunoCAP ISAC molecular allergy diagnostic systems from leading global manufacturers.