Allergy Tests
In children, allergy tests (Skin tests) are performed directly on the skin surface. Standardized extracts including aeroallergens (such as house dust, pollen, animal fur, mold) and food allergens are penetrated into the skin by piercing the top layer of the skin in a way that does not bleed with 1-mm special lancets. To carry out the skin prick test, allergens including a positive control, a negative control, and other allergens like pollens, moulds, dust mites animal fur and /or food allergens are placed on your child's arm. This is done with an applicator ,both arms are used for application..This test can be performed even on small babies. There is a misunderstanding in society that it should be done after a certain age, but it should be emphasized that this valuable diagnostic tool, skin tests, can be performed on patients at any age. There is almost no sense of pain. Evaluation of the test should be made 15 to 20 minutes after the application of allergens to the skin.
They are performed for the diagnosis of allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, food allergy, anaphylaxis (allergic shock), to contribute the treatment of allergic diseases, to find out which allergens trigerred the disease, to decide whether vaccine treatment is required and if it is necessary which allergens should be in the vaccine treatment. It should be kept in mind that the first step in the treatment of allergic diseases is protection from the allergen. In some patients, disease findings and the requirement for medication decrease significantly with these protection measures. For this reason, it is extremely important to refer children with allergic diseases such as asthma and allergic rhinitis to a pediatric allergist for appropriate allergy tests and evaluation.
Yes, there are. Since antihistamine-containing cough syrups, flu drugs containing antihistamines, and psychiatric drugs may affect the test, these types of drugs should not be used 7 to 10 days before the test. You should learn from your physician which drugs you should not use before the test.
Fasting or satiety is not important for the test, but considering the comfort of pediatric patients, it is preferable to do the test with fullness.
Allergy tests should be performed on the skin because they have more reliable results. More detailed results can be obtained with allergy tests performed on the skin, and the treatment can be planned more accurately. However, blood allergy tests may be ordered for patients who cannot stop medication (antihistamines) due to various reasons, patients with widespread skin rash and patients with food allergies.
If the allergy tests are performed under the supervision of an allergists, the incidence of serious reactions is very low. However, if they are done by inexperienced people and with the wrong technique, serious reactions can be seen. Therefore, it is appropriate to perform and evaluate all allergy-related tests under the supervision of an allergist and all the results should be evaluated carefully.
Patch testing is a test method used to diagnose allergic skin reactions due to contact and, in some cases, late food reactions. It is performed in the back area and stays on the back for 48-72 hours. At the end of 72 hours, the test is evaluated. It is of great importance that this test is performed and evaluated by allergists and dermatologists. It is a test that can be performed at any age.
