WHAT?

An allergy test for young children against a range of potential allergens.  This test measures levels of specific IgE antibodies in your child’s blood that may be elevated if they are allergic to one or more of 18 different foods and inhalants. A blood sample is collected at participating Clicks Clinics. Results are provided within 24 hours of the sample reaching the laboratory.

WHY?

Allergies are becoming increasingly common. Often, reactions are the result of the immune system’s response to a false alarm (thinking an allergen is a bacteria or virus). To remove the threat, the immune system triggers a reaction. Allergic reactions are often caused by pollens, latex, moulds, dust mites, foods and medicines. An intolerance is different because it is a non-immunological response triggered by digestive issues, for example the inability to digest lactose.

An allergic reaction can happen anywhere in or on the body, including the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat and lungs. These are the places where the immune system fights off germs that are breathed in, swallowed, or that come into contact with the skin.

Allergic reactions can cause:

• Sneezing
• Itchy ears
• Itchy rash
• Hives or itchy welts
• Itchy roof of mouth
• Red, itchy and/or dry skin
• Itchy, runny and/or stuffy nose
• Red, itchy and/or watery eyes
• Asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing
• Anaphylaxis, a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction (seen as a medical emergency, it can cause trouble breathing as well as coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, fainting or death)

WHO?

An allergy panel for young children (also known as a paediatric allergy panel) is an easy way to confirm a suspected allergy in your child. Exposure to allergens should be prevented to avoid discomforts or potentially life-threatening reactions such as anaphylactic shock. Since the test requires a blood sample taken via a heel prick, it is not advisable for infants / children under one year of age.

HOW?

Samples collected at participating Clicks Clinics are tested at the BioSmart accredited pathology laboratory.

Blood is tested for the following IgE antibodies that react to:

• Birch Pollen
• Dermatophagoides Pteronyssinus (House Dust Mite)
• Cat Epithelia and Horse Epithelia (Dander)
• Aspergillus Fumigatus (Saprophytic Fungus)
• Egg White
• Cow’s Milk
• Beta-Lactoglobulin (nBos d 5)
• Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA)
• Flour Mix 4
• Soybean
• Hazelnut
• Potato
• Cacao (Chocolate)
• Cross-reactive Carbohydrate Determinant (CCD).

The amount of each IgE antibody is measured which gives insight into the severity of the allergic reaction. Your paediatric allergy report will come in an easy-to-understand format with a detailed explanation of results, what they mean and your next steps.