Allergy - Drugs, EIA
Understanding Allergy - Drugs, EIA
What is Allergy - Drugs, EIA?
The Allergy - Drugs, EIA panel measures total IgE (antibodies produced by the immune system in response to allergens) as well as specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against medications (drugs) such as antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory agents, local anesthetics etc., and vitamins in the blood to assess the overall allergic sensitivity using the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) technique. This panel helps identify potential drug allergies and avoid adverse reactions.
The Allergy - Drugs, EIA panel offers a detailed assessment of the potential allergic reactions to a range of medications, vitamins and other components. It includes Antibiotics namely, Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Penicilloyl V, Penicilloyl G, Oxacillin, Cephalosporin, Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Sulpha, Tetracycline, Azithromycin, Gentamycin and Chloramphenicol; Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory agents namely, Aspirin, Diclofenac, and ibuprofen; local anesthetics and antiseptics namely, Prilocaine and Benzocaine; Vitamins and other components like Cobalamin (Vitamin B12), Thiamine (Vitamin B1), Ascorbic Acid (VItamin C) and bromhexine.
The Allergy - Drugs, EIA panel is recommended for individuals who have experienced unexplained allergic reactions, especially after taking medications such as antibiotics, pain relievers, or vitamins. It is also advised for individuals with a known history of drug allergy or those who are planning to undergo a treatment that involves drugs with a high potential for allergic reactions. Additionally, this panel is useful for individuals with a family history of drug allergies or other atopic conditions, as it helps identify specific allergens and helps in avoiding adverse drug reactions (ADRs)
Generally, no special preparation, such as fasting, is required for the Allergy - Drugs, EIA. However, a detailed clinical history including history of previous allergic reactions, family history of allergies, etc, is needed before the sample collection. It helps correlate test results with clinical symptoms and rule out non-allergic causes. Additionally, inform the doctor about all the medications or supplements(e.g, biotin) that you may be taking, as these may interfere with the test results, potentially requiring adjustments or temporary discontinuation before the test.
While the detection of allergen specific IgE suggests sensitization, it does not confirm allergic disease. This can result from cross-reactivity, where proteins in different allergens share similar structures, causing a positive result that may not be clinically relevant. It is also noteworthy that a negative IgE test does not completely rule out an allergy. This can occur if the specific IgE antibodies are directed towards allergens altered during cooking or digestion, which might not be present in the test sample. Moreover, a negative result for drug allergies does not exclude the possibility of a hypersensitivity reaction, which may not be IgE-mediated or sometimes the drug specific IgE may not be detectable if the individual has not been exposed to the drug recently. The IgE developed in response to the drug is short lived with a half-life of 2-3 days and the test may give false negative results if done after a long duration of time. A negative result against antibiotics (penicillin G, penicillin V, cephalosporin, ampicillin, and amoxicillin) or other drugs does not exclude the presence of a clinical hypersensitivity to these allergens.
Lab test results can vary depending on the specific test kit used, as different methods and the quality of allergens used can affect the quantification of IgE. Therefore, these results are intended to be interpreted in conjunction with clinical symptoms.
What is Allergy - Drugs, EIA used for?
The Allergy - Drugs, EIA panel is done:
- To detect specific IgE antibodies against various medications, vitamins and other components, indicating potential allergic sensitivity.
- To help diagnose or rule out allergies to drugs such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and anesthetics based on symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes, swelling, shortness of breath, skin rash, hives etc.
- To identify and avoid drugs that may trigger allergic reactions, improving safety during treatments.
- To differentiate allergic reactions from other medical problems with similar symptoms.
- To evaluate allergy history and guide future treatment decisions.
- To monitor changes in allergic sensitivities over time.
What does Allergy - Drugs, EIA measure?
Contains 25 testsThe Allergy - Drugs, EIA panel measures the presence and quantity of specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood that are associated with allergic reactions to various medications. It offers specific IgE testing against various drugs inclusive of antibiotics, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, anesthetics and antiseptics etc.,vitamins and other components.
By identifying specific drug allergies, the drug allergy panel aids doctors in developing appropriate treatment plans, avoiding potential allergic reactions, and ensuring safe medication use. Additionally, it can monitor changes in allergic sensitivities over time, helping to adjust treatment strategies as needed.
Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Ofloxacin
Ciprofloxacin
Penicilloyl V
Penicilloyl G
Prilocaine
Thiamine (Vitamin B1)
Oxacillin
Cephalosporin
Ampicillin
Aspirin
Amoxicillin
Sulpha
Paracetamol
Tetracycline
Azithromycin
Gentamycin
Diclofenac
Ibuprofen
Chloramphenicol
Ascorbic Acid
Metronidazole
Benzocaine
Bromhexine
Total IgE
Immunoglobulins are antibodies (proteins) produced by plasma cells (specific immune cells) when the body recognizes bacteria, viruses, other microorganisms, or any other unknown substances as harmful foreign antigens (allergy-causing substances or allergens) to the immune system. There are five types of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgG, IgM, IgD, and IgE.
Unlike other antibodies, IgE is primarily associated with immune responses to allergenic substances, such as plant pollen, latex, pet dander, mold, eggs, peanuts, bee venom, and strawberries. Typically, IgE is present in tiny amounts in the blood. When the immune system encounters an allergen, it triggers the production of IgE antibodies. The Total IgE test measures the concentration of these IgE antibodies in the blood, providing insights into the presence and severity of allergies.
Know more about Total IgE