Considering An Allergy Test In Singapore? What Are Your Options?
What Is An Allergy Test In Singapore?
There are several different types of allergy testing procedures, including
- Allergy skin prick test (SPT)
- Skin patch tests
- Blood allergy tests (RAST blood test / ELISA)
- Food elimination diets
The results of allergy testing can help to guide the development of an appropriate treatment plan for the individual. Allergy testing can help diagnose an allergy and guide allergy treatment decisions. It is important to note that allergy tests are not always 100% accurate; and it is important to work with a doctor or allergist to interpret the allergy test results together with your allergy symptoms and develop a suitable treatment plan.
Why Should I Get Tested For Allergies?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as itchy eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, or skin rashes, you may want to consider getting tested for allergies. Here are a few reasons why an allergen test to diagnose allergies may be beneficial:
Identifying triggers: Allergy testing can help identify the particular allergens (e.g. dust mites), or particular food that cause symptoms, which can allow you to avoid them and minimize allergic symptoms.
Better treatment: Once you know what you’re allergic to, it may be easier to take the appropriate precautions to manage your allergies. This may include prescription medications, immunotherapy, or lifestyle changes.
Preventing complications: Food allergy can lead to serious complications, such as anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that can be life-threatening. By identifying your allergens and taking steps to avoid them, you can reduce your risk of developing complications.
Improved quality of life: Allergies, especially allergic rhinitis, can be disruptive to your daily life, affecting your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy activities. By getting tested and managing your allergies, you can alleviate allergic symptoms and improve your quality of life..
Skin Prick Tests
A skin prick test, also known as a puncture or scratch test, is a type of allergy test that is used to identify specific allergens that may be causing an allergic reaction.
The test is performed by applying a small amount of standardized allergen extracts to the skin, usually on the arm or back, and then making a small prick or scratch in the skin to allow the allergen to enter. If the individual is allergic to the allergen, a reaction to the skin prick test will occur, resulting in a raised, red, itchy bump (a wheal) appearing at the site of the prick or scratch within 15-20 minutes. The size of the wheal is measured and compared to a positive control (histamine) and negative control (distilled water) to determine how sensitive the individual is to the allergen. A negative skin prick test may result if the individual being tested has taken antihistamines or cough/cold preparations up to 7 days before the test.
A skin prick test is most useful for diagnosing aero-allergens (substances in the air which can cause allergies) such as dust mites droppings, pollen, mold and others, that cause nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis) and asthma. In certain cases, the skin prick test may also be used to diagnose food allergy.
Skin Patch Tests
A skin patch test is a form of allergy testing that is used to identify allergens that may be causing a skin condition or skin allergy symptoms (contact dermatitis). The allergy test is performed by applying small patches containing the allergens in question to the skin, usually on the upper back, and then leaving the patches in place for 48 hours. The individual is then evaluated for any skin allergic reaction, such as redness, itching, or blistering, at the site of the patches.
Patch testing is particularly useful for identifying allergens that cause delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, such as those that cause contact dermatitis.
Delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions are when our body gets upset with something and it takes a little while for the upset to show. For example, when you eat food that has gone bad, your stomach doesn’t get upset right away, but it takes a little while. The same thing happens with our skin, it takes a little while for it to get upset after we come in contact with something it doesn’t like.
For example, if you are allergic to grass when you touch it, your skin may not get red or itchy right away, it could take a day or two for the reaction to happen. This is different from other types of allergic reactions such as peanut allergies. Peanut allergies usually present as an immediate-type reaction – if patients who are are allergic to peanuts come into contact with peanuts, they may experience immediate allergic reactions.
Common allergens that are tested include nickel, fragrances, preservatives, rubber and certain medications. The test is usually read after 48 and 72 hours. Positive reactions will show redness, itching, or blistering at the site of the patch.
Blood Test For Allergies
A blood allergy test, also known as a radioallergosorbent test (RAST) blood test, or ImmunoCAP test, is a type of allergy test that measures the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood in response to specific allergens. These IgE antibodies are produced by the immune system in response to allergens and play a key role in allergic reactions.
The IgE antibodies blood test are performed by taking a blood sample from the individual and then measuring the level of IgE antibodies in the sample, that are specific to the allergens being tested. The results of the test are typically reported as a number, that indicates the level of IgE antibodies present in the blood. High levels of IgE antibodies in the blood can indicate that the individual is allergic to the allergen being tested, while low levels may indicate that the individual is not allergic.
This form of allergy testing can elicit the presence of both aero-allergens such as dust mites droppings, pollen, and mold; and assist in food allergy testing. A small blood sample can be tested for 50-60 allergens, if necessary. Results take approximately 5-7 working days before they are available.
Food Elimination Diets
A food elimination diet is a type of food allergy testing, that is used to identify food allergies / food sensitivities. The diet involves eliminating certain foods or food groups that are suspected of causing food allergy or an adverse reaction and then reintroducing them one at a time to see if allergy symptoms reappear.
The process typically starts by eliminating the most common food allergens, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat, and then gradually reintroducing them into the diet after a period of time, usually two to four weeks. The patient is closely monitored for any food intolerance or allergic reaction such as hives, itching, swelling, shortness of breath, or gastrointestinal problems. Reintroducing the food one at a time is done to identify which specific food allergies are causing the symptoms. This method of discerning food allergies is also known as “challenge and re-challenge” and it is usually done under the guidance of a healthcare professional such as a dietitian or allergist to ensure safety and accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is An Allergy Test In Singapore Carried Out?
In Singapore, the two most commonly used allergy testing methods are the skin prick test (SPT) and a blood test for allergies (RAST/ImmunoCAP). These two tests can definitively diagnose both food allergy, as well as allergy to certain aero-allergens.
We are able to perform both in our clinic.
Should I Choose A Skin Prick Test Or An Allergy Blood Test? What Are The Pros And Cons?
Skin prick test (SPT) and an allergy blood test (RAST/ImmunoCAP) are two common methods of allergy testing used for diagnosis. Both tests have their own advantages and disadvantages:
Pros of skin prick test:
- It is relatively inexpensive and easy to perform.
- Results are available quickly, usually within 15-20 minutes.
- It is a highly sensitive test, meaning that it can detect even small amounts of allergens.
- It can test for a wide range of allergens at once.
Cons of skin prick test:
- It can cause mild discomfort or pain during the test.
- It can cause a minor allergic reaction at the test site.
- It may not be as specific as a blood test and may produce false positive results.
Pros of blood test for allergies:
- It is a less invasive procedure as it only requires a blood sample.
- It can test for a wide range of allergens at once.
- It is more specific than skin prick test, meaning that it is less likely to produce false positive results.
Cons of blood test for allergies:
- It is more expensive than a skin prick test.
- Results take longer to get, usually a few days.
- It is less sensitive than skin prick test, meaning that it may not detect low levels of allergens.
Both tests are useful and accurate, but the choice of test will depend on factors such as cost, availability, and the patient's preferences. Speak with your doctor to decide which allergy testing procedures are appropriate for you.
Which Should I Choose For A Food Allergy Test In Singapore?
Food allergy testing can either be performed via a skin prick test (SPT) or a blood allergy test (RAST / ImmunoCAP). The blood allergy test allows for more allergens to be tested for, if necessary, as it is not dependent on enough skin surface area to perform the test.
Where Can I Go For An Allergy Test In Singapore?
We perform both a skin prick test (SPT) and blood tests for allergies (RAST/ImmunoCAP) in our clinic. Make an appointment for a comprehensive allergy test with us.
At What Age Can I Test My Baby For Allergies?
A skin prick test can be done for children as young as 6 months.
What Is The Price For Allergy Test Singapore?
Allergy tests range in price depending on the number of allergens; as well as the method of testing. Blood tests for allergy tend to be more expensive than skin prick tests. Talk to our doctor today for more information regarding pricing and whether it is covered by your insurance plan.
References:
Disclaimer:
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, treatment or medication and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 995 or visit the nearest Emergency Department immediately. No doctor-patient relationship is created by this website or its use. Neither the owner of the website, nor its employees, or any contributor to this web site, makes any representations, express or implied, with respect to the information provided herein or to its use.
