If you were a healthy child growing up, there is a big chance that you may have enjoyed various types of food and breezed through the seasons without having to deal with allergies. However, this is not a guarantee that your body will not develop allergies as you age. Adult-onset allergies usually happen around the age of 20s or 30s. There is no clear reason why they suddenly develop, but undergoing allergy testing can help you avoid an allergic reaction. Read on to find out more about allergy testing and its cost in Singapore.
How does an allergy test work?
An allergy test works by checking for Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the body that exist to combat certain elements that enter the body and may trigger an allergic reaction. These allergy triggers are called allergens.
Do you really need to get tested for allergies?
There is no need for you to get tested for allergies if you have never experienced any allergic reaction. However, the body undergoes many changes as we age, so it may be possible for you to develop an allergy later in life. Being aware of the things that can trigger an allergic reaction in your body will greatly help you avoid them.
Consider allergy testing if:
- You are about to take medications and need to ensure that you are not allergic to it
- You have gone through a life-threatening or severe allergic reaction in the past
- Your family’s history of illnesses include certain allergies or asthma
- Your body develops recurring allergy symptoms
How do you know if you are having an allergic reaction?
An allergic reaction can manifest in various ways and the manner in which these develop can differ per individual even if the trigger is the same. Below are only some of the common allergy symptoms:
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Breathing problems
- Chronic cough
- Congested, itchy, or runny nose
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Itchy, swollen, watery eyes
- Hives, rash, or swollen skin
- Headaches
- Vomiting
Anaphylaxis is a dangerous allergic reaction that can be fatal. This happens when the body reacts to a trigger and the immune system releases an overwhelming flow of chemicals, such as histamine to combat the allergen. The excessive amount of chemicals released into the body can cause shock and lead to difficulty in breathing as well as an immediate drop in blood pressure. Symptoms of anaphylaxis must be treated immediately or else it could become worse and result in death within 30 minutes.
What are the different types of allergy testing?
There are several types of allergy testing that can be used depending on the symptoms and needs of an individual:
- Blood test (IgE test)
- Food challenge test
- Home test
- Intradermal test
- Patch test
- Skin prick test
Blood test. An allergy blood test requires collecting blood samples. The samples are then sent to a laboratory and are exposed to allergens to see results. This type of test also has the ability to determine the cells that react to allergies and inflammations. Blood tests are best for people who are not suitable to undergo skin tests and for those who want to get over a test quickly. While blood tests are quickly done, waiting for the results may take some time and the accuracy of its outcome is not as good as skin testing.
Food challenge test. This test is done under the supervision of medical experts. The idea is to intake certain foods that might trigger an allergic reaction and observe how the body responds. Once an allergy surfaces, the medical team administers anti-allergy medications and ends the test. The food challenge test is ideal for people who may have an idea about the food that they are allergic to, but need a systematic confirmation to be sure. This test has a risk of provoking severe allergic reactions, so it should be done under the guidance of a doctor.
Home test. This type of test requires blood sample collection in tiny amounts using a test kit. The kit contains a pin-prick to collect a blood spot sample, which is then placed on a card and mailed back to the laboratory for evaluation. The lab then uses common allergens to test the blood for reactions. Results are usually available after a few weeks. Home tests can be convenient, but the results may not be completely accurate.
Intradermal test. This test uses a tiny needle to inject a miniscule amount of allergen beneath the skin to see if the allergen elicits a reaction. This test can identify even the slightest allergic reaction and is usually recommended in case the results of a scratch test leaves room for doubt. The Intradermal test is excellent for determining allergic reactions to airborne elements, medicines, and insect stings.
Patch test. The patch test is recommended for identifying the cause of contact dermatitis. To perform this test, an allergen is placed on the skin’s surface and covered with a bandage. The bandage will be removed after about 2-8 days on your next medical appointment and your skin will be checked for any reaction.
Skin prick test. A skin prick test is the most common type of allergy testing. It uses a tiny needle to introduce a small amount of allergen by pricking the surface of the back or forearm’s skin with it. Another way of administering this test is by dropping an ample amount of solution onto the skin’s surface and using a tool to lightly scratch or puncture that area and observe a reaction. Allergies tend to show as spots that are raised and round (wheals) or a rash in as short as 15 minutes.
How much does an allergy test cost in Singapore?
The cost of an allergy test in Singapore varies depending on the type that is suitable for your condition and how comprehensive the test is. The price range starts from SG $65 up to SG$1,700.
Where should you go for allergy testing in Singapore?
To ensure your safety and get the most accurate allergy testing results, it is recommended that the tests be performed by medical experts. In Singapore, you can visit The Health Advisory Clinic at One Raffles Place for Blood or IgE Test and Skin Prick Test.
The Health Advisory Clinic
One Raffles Place, #04-49
1 Raffles Place, Singapore
048616
https://healthclinicgroup.com/
Tel: (+65) 6226 6442
Whatsapp: (+65) 9886 6442
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