Is 2023 the time for you to get an allergy test?

14th December 2022

Is 2023 the time for you to get an allergy test?

We’re on the precipice of a new year. Oh how the time has flown by. This period of transition into a new year is a time for reflection. When they look at where they want to be in 12 months’ time, and resolve to make a change. It’s the perfect occasion to stand up and say you’re actually going to do those things you’ve been putting off.

For many, it means going to the gym, eating healthier, or making more time for themselves. But we think there’s one aspect of your health you should pay extra attention to: your potential allergies. Why not start 2023 feeling better and get an allergy test? Here’s why we think now is the perfect time.

Why take an allergy test now?

Because a new year means a new start. Also, because it’s a motivational time for many, so why not channel that into something useful? This isn’t to say you should take an allergy test if you have no symptoms. But if you have been experiencing something not quite right, and you’re struggling to put your finger on it, then it’s worth doing.

The main benefit? It can help you feel better. Maybe you’ve got a mild rash that comes or goes, or certain food turns your stomach a bit. These are the kinds of symptoms many people just get on with. But if you knew how to fight them, you wouldn’t have to deal with them anymore. You can have crystal-clear skin or feel less bloated all day.

Another good reason is it’s just safer. Knowing what you’re allergic to allows you to avoid it and the accompanying symptoms. Since some severe allergies can be fatal, being in the know is better than being in the dark.

Is there anything to worry about?

For the people who aren’t fans of going to the doctors or potentially dealing with needles, let us put your mind at ease. Allergy tests don’t have to be invasive or involve taking blood. These are options, but you’ll be glad to know about patch tests.

This is when a doctor puts patches of potential allergens on the skin to see how your body reacts to them. They have to stay there for around 48 hours before they can assess the reaction, though. A step up from this is a skin prick test. This is similar, except they make a small prick in your skin to allow the allergen to seep in. It’s mostly painless, but some do find it uncomfortable.

Of course, a blood test is likely going to be one of the better tests to take. But if you’re squeamish about this, at least go and have the conversation with your doctor or an allergy specialist to discuss your options.

What would the benefits be?

Well, you’ll be free! Free of whatever symptoms have been holding you down. And you might find it’s a huge weight off your shoulders. Even if your test comes back negative, at least you’ll be able to cross that option off your list.

We also want to stress that this is a great course of action no matter what your age. New allergies can appear seemingly out of nowhere, even as an adult. So a regular check-up is the perfect way to achieve peace of mind.

So why not start 2023 in the best way possible? As a healthy, confident person who knows what they like and don’t like. And always remember, listen to your body if you experience a new sensation. It knows what it’s talking about.

Don’t worry for a second longer. By becoming a patient with us, you have access to a team of allergy specialists who can walk you through the process and your results. Get in touch with us today on 02031 433 449.

How accurate are skin prick tests?

9th October 2019

How accurate are skin prick tests?

There are two types of people in the world. Those who get things checked out immediately and those who take more of a wait-and-see approach. But for your health, the wait-and-see approach might not be the best. In all that time, your symptoms might become worse or cause more serious damage. 

If you think you may have an allergy – even if it’s mild – it’s always good to find out for sure so you can take the right course of action with your treatment. Doing so is simple as there are plenty of allergy tests available. However, if you’re going to invest your time and money into a skin prick allergy test, you’ll want to be sure you see some results.

Skin prick tests

Skin prick tests are a common way of discovering whether you suffer from an allergy. During the test, the allergist places a drop of solution containing the allergen on your arm. Sometimes they put actual fresh food on the arm. 

Using a small needle, the allergist gently pricks the skin to allow the allergen to enter. It is not painful and there’s rarely any bleeding. You can test for many allergies at the same time using this method.

If you’re allergic, results usually appear within 30 minutes. Positive results usually show as a raised white bump surrounded by a small circle or itchy red skin. 

Accuracy

This test rarely produces a false-negative result. Negative results almost always mean you’re not allergic to the food. Sometimes, in 50 to 60% of cases, there may be a false-positive result, meaning you seem to be allergic but actually aren’t. 

This high number of false positives isn’t anything to worry about. Allergists use other tests to help verify the results. These include blood tests like ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), food elimination diets, and oral food challenges. 

A trained allergist is skilled in using the most effective tests for you in combination with a detailed understanding of your medical history to provide you with accurate results. After doing so, they’ll be able to give you the most effective treatments to manage your annoying symptoms and find the relief you need. 

The consultants at London Allergy and Immunology Centre are experts in their field and have years of experience in accurately testing children and adults for allergies. Book an appointment today via our website.