Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr)
Understanding Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr)
What is Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr)?
The Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr) is a screening test that helps in the diagnosis of Atopy or IgE-mediated allergy in adults and children above 5 years. It measures Total IgE (antibodies produced by the immune system in response to allergens) and specialized Phadiatop IgE which is an ImmunoCAP with a well-balanced mix of representative allergens including inhalant allergens like dust, pollen, animal dander, grass, weed, etc., present in the air. The Phadiatop IgE levels if high confirm an allergy, but cannot specify the allergens causing the allergy.
An allergy is a hypersensitivity response of the immune system that causes undesirable reactions to certain environmental substances. Such patients produce high levels of antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to certain allergens present in the atmosphere. The Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr) is a screening test that helps in the diagnosis of Atopy or IgE-mediated allergy in adults and children above 5 years.
Your doctor may suggest the Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr) test if you have sneezing, runny nose, hives, difficulty in breathing, itching, etc. Generally, no special preparation is required for the Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr) test. However, inform your doctor about any medications (such as antihistamines) you are taking, as they might influence your test results.
Based on the test results further specific allergen testing may be recommended. Getting tested with the Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr) test helps in distinguishing atopic (IgE-mediated) from non-atopic (non-IgE-mediated) allergies and aids in getting appropriate treatment.
Reference ranges may vary based on factors such as age, medical history, etc. Narrate your complete medical history including any known allergies, and symptoms that can impact test interpretations to help the doctor correlate your laboratory and clinical findings and formulate a robust treatment plan.
What is Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr) used for?
The Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr) test is done:
- If you experience allergy symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes, swelling, shortness of breath, skin rash, congestion, hives, diarrhea, eczema, or sneezing.
- If you have allergic asthma.
- To track and monitor treatment progress and effectiveness.
- In individuals with a family history of allergies.
- In case of parasitic infection.
What does Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr) measure?
Contains 2 testsIt measures Total IgE (antibodies produced by the immune system in response to allergens) and specialized Phadiatop IgE using ImmunoCAP with comprehensive inhalant allergens like dust, pollen, animal dander, grass, weed, etc., present in the air.
When an allergen (allergy-causing substance) enters the body, the immune system produces immunoglobulin IgE antibodies. These are produced to fight foreign substances. and trigger the release of histamines from the cells. This causes allergic symptoms. Getting tested aids in distinguishing atopic (allergen-sensitive) from non-atopic (non-allergen-sensitive) allergies and provides appropriate treatment. With careful management and a tailored treatment plan, allergies can be effectively managed to minimize the impact on your quality of life.
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.
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Allergy Screen- Phadiatop (Adult & >5yr), ImmunoCAP
The Allergy Screen- Phadiatop (Adult & >5yr), ImmunoCAP test is a blood test designed to screen for common inhalant allergens in individuals aged five years and older. This test detects specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which the immune system produces in response to inhalant allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold. ImmunoCAP technology ensures high accuracy and sensitivity in identifying these antibodies, making it a reliable method for determining whether a person has an allergic predisposition.
By confirming allergic sensitization (developing IgE antibodies to inhaled allergens), the Phadiatop test helps doctors develop targeted treatment plans, including strategies to avoid specific allergens and appropriate medications. This is particularly useful as an initial screening tool, guiding further, more specific allergy testing if needed.
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Interpreting Allergy Screen, Total IgE and Phadia Top (Adult & >5yr) results
Interpretations
* If your total IgE level is increased, it usually indicates that you are suffering from one or more allergies. Sometimes, increased levels are also associated with parasitic infections. * An elevated IgE indicates an allergic process but does not indicate what a person is allergic to. In general, the greater the number of things a person is allergic to, the higher is the IgE level.