Serum Allergy Test
Dr.Spurti KattimaniLast Updated on 16th February 2022- Inhalants or aeroallergens
- Food allergens- These include food items like milk, peanut, wheat, meat, eggs, tuna, codfish, tomato, apple, potato, among others.
- Outdoor allergens- These include polluted air and pollen from grasses, trees, weeds, and rye.
- Venom- These include ant, wasp, hornet, and bee venom.
- Medications or drugs like aspirin, penicillin, ibuprofen, among others
- Metals like zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, etc.
- Dust mites
- Latex
- House-hold chemicals
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What is a serum allergy test used for?
The serum allergy test is used to determine if a person has an allergic reaction to common allergens like food, pollen, dust, etc. The doctor would recommend this test to identify the cause of symptoms like itching, sneezing, redness, etc. The doctor would also recommend this test to diagnose an allergic respiratory disease like asthma. In addition, the serum allergy test is also performed to screen individuals who have a family history of allergies.
What is included in the serum allergy test?
The serum allergy test measures the amount of specific IgE antibodies in the blood in response to common allergens.
Procedure for a serum allergy test
The serum allergy test is similar to other routinely performed blood tests.
- A trained phlebotomist will draw a small amount of blood by inserting the needle into the vein.
- The collected blood sample will be transferred to a small vial or test tube. The sample will then be sent to a lab for further processing.
- While inserting a needle into the vein, slight pain may be experienced in the arm. However, the pain will reduce immediately. Some individuals may also experience redness and swelling at the needle insertion site.
- The procedure usually lasts for about 5-10 minutes.
How to prepare for a serum allergy test?
No specific preparations are needed for a serum allergy test. Disclose all the medications you are taking to your healthcare provider before testing.
Things to consider after serum allergy test is complete
Once the test is done and the result is available, please consult your doctor. The doctor would suggest further diagnostic tests or starting medications based on your results. Please do not self-diagnose.
What types of allergens can serum allergy test detect?
The serum allergy test can be used to diagnose respiratory disorders like asthma. However, additional tests would be recommended by the doctor for confirmation. In addition, the serum allergy test would also provide information about the substances (like food, drugs, pollen, etc.) that might be causing allergic reactions in an individual.
How much does a serum allergy test cost?*
The cost of a comprehensive serum allergy test ranges from 4000 to 12000 rupees. The cost mainly depends upon the number of allergens that will be evaluated.
*Disclaimer: The value varies based on location, time, and your preferred lab partner.
How long does it take to get the results for a serum allergy test?
You can expect to get the results for the serum allergy test within 24 to 48 hours after the sample is collected. However, in certain cases, depending on the location, medical advice, and preferred lab partner, it may take longer.
What do abnormal serum allergy test results indicate?
Elevated levels of specific IgE antibodies in the blood indicate that you may have an allergy. However, an exact diagnosis will be made after assessing reports from other diagnostic tests, patient symptoms, and clinical history.
Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor for interpreting the test reports.
Is a serum allergy test a definitive test?
The serum allergy test is not definitive. The test is usually performed as an initial diagnostic test for allergies. The test provides information about the allergens that may be causing an allergic reaction in an individual. The doctor may recommend additional tests for confirmation, like the skin prick test, patch test, etc.
How to read the serum allergy test report?
Once the results are available, it is advised to discuss the report with your doctor. However, the following table can be referred to for interpretation:
Rating of specific IgE level (kUA/L) | Class/Grade | Interpretation |
---|---|---|
Absent or undetectable (< 0.35) | 0 | Unlikely |
Low (0.35–0.69) | I | Doubtful significance |
Moderate (0.70–3.49) | II | Possible |
High (3.50–17.49) | III | More possible |
Very high (17.50–49.99) | IV | More likely |
Very high (50.00–100.00) | V | Very likely |
Extremely high (> 100.00) | VI | Extremely likely |
*The values in the table depict the international reference range. The actual range may vary with the diagnostic test used, laboratory, patients’ age, and allergen type.
Why book a serum allergy test?
- To determine the cause of allergic reactions.
- To screen allergic reactions to common allergens like food, dust, pollen, etc.
- To diagnose respiratory disorders like asthma.
- To rule out parasitic infections.
- To determine the cause of symptoms like sneezing, itching, coughing, swelling, among others.
- To monitor patients with a known history of allergic conditions like allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, anaphylaxis, and asthma.
Serum allergy test at home – how does it work?
The serum allergy test is just like any other blood test. A phlebotomist visits your home when you book your tests through the MFine app. The phlebotomist first cleans the arm and then inserts a syringe into a vein. The required amount of blood is then taken into a vial. The phlebotomist then removes the needle and places cotton wool or a bandage over the prick.
Are there any risks involved with serum allergy tests?
The serum allergy test does not involve any risks. Some people may experience pain, swelling, and redness at the site of needle insertion.
What can affect the results of a serum allergy test?
Unlike skin allergy tests, the serum allergy test is not affected by the use of medications like antihistamines and antidepressants.
For further assistance
Frequently asked questions | FAQs
Is the phlebotomist coming for serum allergy sample collection vaccinated?
Yes. Our phlebotomists are fully vaccinated. Further, they also ensure safety throughout by wearing a mask, gloves, and frequently sanitising themselves during the sample collection.
Does MFine provide the interpretation for the results along with the reports?
Yes, MFine provides the interpretation for the result along with the reports. You can also avail a free medical consultation with a doctor to understand your reports accurately. The doctor will also advise and prescribe medicines, if required, based on the results.
How can I download my serum allergy test report?
- Login to MFine
- Go to your profile
- Click on Attachment and Reports
- Click on Lab Report
- Download the report
Are there any discount offers running on a serum allergy test?
Usually, you can avail of up to a 50% discount on a serum allergy test through MFine. However, the discount and test price may vary based on lab partner and location.
What is an allergy? What are the other tests available to diagnose allergy in an individual?
Allergy is an abnormal response or hypersensitive reaction produced by the immune system in response to substances that are harmless in most individuals like food, drugs, pollen, etc.
To make an accurate diagnosis of the conditions, the doctor may recommend other allergic tests like skin allergy tests. The skin allergy tests are used to identify numerous food allergens, airborne allergens, and contact allergens. The skin allergy tests include skin prick test, intradermal test, and patch test.
Skin prick test– In this test, a small amount of the allergen will be placed on your skin by the healthcare provider. Then the skin will be either pricked or scratched through the allergen using a needle such that the allergen can enter your skin. A localised reaction composed of swelling, redness, and itching will develop within 15 minutes if you are allergic.
Intradermal skin test– A small amount of allergen will be injected into your skin (dermis part of the skin) using a needle and syringe. After some time, the healthcare provider will assess your skin for reactions. This is commonly used for identifying allergies to drugs and venom.
Patch test– In this test, a patch containing a small amount of allergen will be placed on the skin. The reactions would be assessed after 48-96 hours. If you are allergic, then a local rash will develop.
The doctor may also suggest an elimination diet test. This test involves eliminating certain foods and then reintroducing them at a later stage to identify foods that may be causing allergic reactions.
Which allergy test is the most commonly used to diagnose allergies?
Skin prick tests are generally the most preferred method for diagnosing allergies. It is also the least expensive and sometimes more accurate test for confirming allergens. However, these tests are not recommended for people who can develop severe allergic reactions and have certain skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. The skin prick test is also avoided for people taking medications like antihistamines and antidepressants, as these medications are known to interfere with the results obtained in the skin prick test. Generally, no single test will be used for confirmation. A combination of tests, patient symptoms, and clinical history will be used to make an accurate diagnosis.
When does the doctor recommend a serum allergy test?
The doctor would recommend the serum allergy test when you have symptoms suggesting an allergic reaction. Some symptoms of allergic reactions include-
- Sneezing
- Itching
- Swelling
- Runny nose
- Shortness of breath
- Asthma
- Rashes on skin
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Anaphylactic shock (a sudden and life-threatening condition)
What are the treatment options available for managing allergic reactions?
Depending upon your test results, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications like antihistamines and corticosteroids to manage or suppress the symptoms of allergic reactions. In case of anaphylactic shock, the doctor will recommend an epinephrine injection. Apart from the medications, the best way to manage allergic reactions is by avoiding the contact of allergen. For example, a person who is allergic to wheat should not consume wheat or any products that are rich in wheat.
What other blood tests would be recommended by the doctor along with serum allergy tests?
To get comprehensive information about your allergy condition, the doctor may recommend other blood tests like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test and complete blood count (CBC) test that determines haemoglobin levels, platelets levels, among others. In addition, a white blood cell (WBC) differential test that measures the levels of WBC like neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes may also be recommended by the doctor.
Disclaimer: The content is uniquely informative and is meant for educational use. Kindly use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified or registered healthcare provider.