Allergy Testing in Children Using Allergen-Specific IgE Tests

An allergen-specific immunoglobulin – Serum IgE test is a blood test that detects the presence of various IgE antibodies in a person's blood. Food allergy IgE testing is sometimes used to diagnose and manage food allergies. In rare situations, they can also aid in diagnosing environmental allergies. 

PersonsIn persons prone to food allergies, the immune system misidentifies some foods as foreign invaders and generates antibodies against them. dies are generated. These are distinct from IgG antibodies, essential for combating germs and viruses. Allergen specific IgE testing detects high levels of food specific IgE to determine if a person is allergic to a food. Recognizing a significant rate of false positive testing with food specific IgE testing is critical. Hence broad panels of food IgE testing are not suggested. Furthermore, neither this form nor skin testing can help anticipate the severity. 

Common Allergens: 

• Latex 
• Mold 
• Pollen 
• Animal 
• Dust mites 
• Insect venom from bites or stings 

Your doctor may conduct an allergen specific IgE test if your kid exhibits any of the following allergy symptoms. 

• Diarrhea 
• Sneezing 
• Wheezing 
• Coughing 
• Shortness of breath 
• Stuffy or runny nose 
• Itchy or watery eyes 

An allergen-specific IgE blood test may be done. IgE blood tests are frequently used in children with skin conditions that may interfere with skin testing or who cannot stop taking antihistamines. 

Purpose 

If you have allergy symptoms, your doctor may request allergy testing. Among these are: 

• Hives 
• Sneezing 
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Coughing 
• Wheezing 
• Itchy, watery eyes 
• Shortness of breath 
• Stuffy or runny nose 

If allergy skin testing is not possible, your provider may prescribe an allergy blood test. Skin testing entails introducing allergens on or into your skin. You may be unable to undergo skin testing if you: 

Have specific skin conditions 

Take any medications that may have an impact on the test results. 

Are prone to severe allergic reactions to the allergens used in skin testing 

In some circumstances, doctors may order allergy blood tests for young children since skin testing may be too painful. 

Preparation 

Prepare your kid for the test as you would any other blood draw. A child specialist may be able to help distract your child while testing is being performed if your youngster is particularly apprehensive about needles. You will be permitted to accompany your child during the testing. Discuss with your kid's healthcare provider which allergy test is ideal for your child's unique symptoms and how to prepare your child best. 

Procedure 

A healthcare expert will use a small needle to take blood from a vein in your child's arm. If your child is a newborn, blood will be drawn from their heel using a little needle. Your youngster will experience a brief pinprick. The blood will be collected in a vial, and the spot will be covered with a tiny bandage. The technique only takes a few minutes. 

Results 

A high total IgE test result indicates that you may have an allergy. However, the results of a total IgE test do not reveal what you are allergic to or how severe your allergy may be. 

A positive IgE test result indicates that you may be allergic to the allergen examined. However, the amount of IgE detected does not predict the severity of your allergy. 

If the test results indicate that you may be allergic to something, your physician may send you to an allergy specialist. Your treatment approach will be determined by what you are allergic to and the severity of your symptoms. 

If you experience any symptoms or are at risk of anaphylactic shock, you must exercise extreme caution in avoiding the allergens to which you are allergic. It would help if you always had an emergency epinephrine treatment (an epinephrine auto-injector). Anaphylactic shock is most common in those allergic to specific foods, medications, insect bites, or latex. 

The Final Word 

Allergy blood tests are not always reliable. The findings may indicate that you have an allergy when you do not (also known as a false positive). This could happen if your body is reacting little to components in foods you ate before the test. It is unusual for a blood test to reveal that you do not have an allergy when you do (also known as a false negative). 

Depending on your medical history and symptoms, your provider may order an allergy skin test with an allergy blood test or a skin test.Serum IgE test is a blood test