Allergy - Eczema Comprehensive Panel, ImmunoCAP

The Allergy - Eczema Comprehensive Panel, ImmunoCAP is a specialized allergy test that evaluates your Total IgE  (antibodies produced by the immune system in response to allergens) as well as specific IgE against a wide range of allergens causing eczema such as fruits, grains, nuts, pulses, house mites, etc, using the ImmunoCAP technique. Based on the results the source of allergy/allergies is determined and the course of treatment is decided accordingly.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, and irritation of the skin. This condition is often driven by an overactive immune response to various allergens, which the body mistakenly identifies as harmful. In eczema, the immune system produces specific antibodies known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to allergens, leading to flare-ups and exacerbation of skin symptoms.

The Allergy - Eczema Comprehensive Panel, ImmunoCAP is a comprehensive allergy panel that includes the Total IgE test, used to measure the total IgE levels in the blood. In addition, this panel also detects the presence of specific IgE antibodies to a wide range of allergens that are associated with eczema including fruits (peach, apple, banana, and orange), nuts (cashew, peanut and coconut), grains (wheat and rice), pulses (lentils and chickpeas), cow milk, egg white, soyabean, seafood (cod fish and shrimp), and environmental allergens (cat dander, dog dander, cockroach, house dust mite).

Your doctor may suggest the Allergy - Eczema Comprehensive Panel, ImmunoCAP if you exhibit symptoms of eczema such as persistent itching, redness, and dry, scaly skin. It is particularly useful for those with a history of eczema or other allergic conditions, as well as for individuals who have not found relief with standard eczema treatments. It is particularly useful for those with a history of eczema or other allergic conditions, as well as for individuals who have not found relief with standard eczema treatments. Allergen detection through this panel will help your doctor guide appropriate management and treatment decisions and prevent severe complications. 

Generally, no special preparation is required for the Allergy - Eczema Comprehensive Panel, ImmunoCAP. However, inform your doctor about any medications (such as antihistamines) you are taking, as they might influence your test results.

A positive test result indicates sensitivity to one or more of the allergens included in the panel, which can be further investigated  through more specific allergy testing. Conversely, a negative result indicates no sensitization to the tested allergens, though it does not eliminate the possibility of allergies to other substances not covered in this panel.

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.