Allergy tests

If, after taking a detailed medical history, allergic disease is suspected, a variety of tests can be performed to confirm or rule out this suspicion. In our practice, we only implement scientifically recognized, certified testing procedures such as:

1. Prick test

Drops of different allergen solutions are placed in children´s skin, most commonly on the back. By using a small lancet, the drops are placed superficially in the skin so the substance can penetrate well into the epidermis. If a wheal is formed after about 15-20 minutes, the result is "positive". This signifies that a certain sensitization to the given allergen is present. But only if relevant allergic symptoms are associated with the given allergen is it called an "allergy".

2. Blood tests for IgE

Immunglobulins (antibodies) play an important role in the defense again foreign substances. There are various sub-groups, such as the group G, which is mainly involved in the defense against bacteria and viruses, but does not play a significant role in terms of allergic diseases. The specific test for the diagnosis of allergies is the immunglobolin E (IgE) level.

To find out which substance has triggered an existing allergic reaction, the substances in question are searched for in the blood by the way of specific IgE. The lower this value, the less likely is an allergic reaction. If the values are increased significantly along with the corresponding symptoms, an allergy to the substance is very likely.

3. Provocation test

Definitive certainty whether a particular allergen has triggered a reaction can be achieved reliably by a provocation test. A direct provocation of the immune system with the suspect material may be required if the previous tests did not show any definitive results.

We carry out various forms of this testing method, especially nasal provocation in which the suspect substance is applied to the nasal mucosa.