Allergy can manifest in the respiratory system, skin, and digestive system. Each type of allergy has characteristic tests based on the relevant allergenic components and the nature of the allergic response. In addition to regular allergy tests, additional support tests may be required, such as general blood tests, evaluation of immune system function, lung or sinus imaging, and lung function tests.
Tests for Immediate Allergic Reactions:
Many allergic reactions occur immediately after exposure to the allergen, such as in the case of allergic rhinitis, food allergies, latex allergies, insect sting allergies, and drug allergies. We perform allergy tests for immediate allergic reactions at our medical center, Sheba Medical Center, using a special plastic device that ensures quick testing with minimal pain and anxiety, making it especially suitable for children and infants. The test can identify reactions to food or airborne allergens.
After the test, you will be asked to wait outside for about 15 minutes without touching the arm where the test was conducted. If you are allergic to any of the substances, redness, swelling, and localized itching similar to a small mosquito bite will appear on the arm within a few minutes. When you return, we will evaluate the size of the reaction and its significance for you and suggest the appropriate treatment.
This test has no side effects or harm, except for the temporary appearance of redness and itching on the arm, which will subside within a few hours. The test may be affected by allergy medications, so it is recommended to discontinue treatment before the test, if possible.
Blood Test for Allergies:
This test identifies allergy antibodies in the tested blood. It is mainly used for additional confirmation of findings and progress in diagnosis.
Special Allergy Tests:
In special cases, when there is a high suspicion of allergy but regular testing did not find the allergen or when the suspected allergen cannot be tested by regular means, we perform special tests using different methods, such as intradermal injection (e.g., for drug allergies).
Challenge Tests:
To definitively rule out food or drug allergies or confirm their resolution, after receiving a negative result from skin tests or blood tests, we perform oral challenges (testing the ingestion of food or medication). This test is only conducted in a medical facility equipped to provide treatment in case of an allergic reaction.
The explanations are based on the parent information sheets from the Israeli Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology website.