An allergy is a response from the immune system to a particular foreign substance in the body. While this substance is typically harmless to non-allergic individuals, it can cause an adverse reaction in those who are allergic.

This foreign substance is known as an allergen. Common allergens include pollen, dust mites and food items such as shrimp and peanuts.

Allergy tests are used to determine the allergens that the immune system reacts to IgE blood tests will be conducted to identify food and inhalant allergies in particular.

Lab technician wearing blue gloves holding a vial containing a blood sample

All About Allergies

Symptoms of Allergies

Ethnic woman in orange blowing her nose on a white couch

Symptoms may differ based on the organs affected during an allergic reaction.

• Allergic rhinitis (Nose)

The signs are similar to that of a cold, such as sneezing, coughing and an itchy nose.

• Allergic conjunctivitis (Eyes)

When your eyes come in contact with allergens, the common symptoms include redness, itching and watering of the eyes.

• Allergic asthma (Lungs)

The symptoms include wheezing, breathlessness and a tight chest.

• Skin allergies

Itching, red swelling around areas such as the mouth, lips and eyes, rashes and eczema are signs of skin allergies.

• Food allergies

Some common signs of a negative reaction to allergens in food include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and swelling of the tongue and throat.

In severe cases, individuals may suffer from a life-threatening allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis

The symptoms manifest in the form of constricted airways, a swollen throat, a rapid pulse and a drop in blood pressure. They may also lose consciousness. 

In such cases, immediate medical attention is required. If left untreated, it may result in death.

Types of Allergies

Young girl with blonde hair blowing her nose in a field of yellow and white daisies

These are the four main types of allergies that will be tested at our clinic.

• Food allergies

The consumption of certain food can trigger a negative response from the immune system.

• Seasonal allergies

Pollen is the main cause of this form of allergy. It takes place during a change of season when pollen becomes airborne and is inhaled.

• Pet allergies

Allergens in animals can be found in their saliva, fur coat and skin. The skin that these animals shed is also referred to as animal dander.

This form of allergy can be caused by breathing in or having physical contact with the allergens.

Dust and pollen trapped in animal coats can also be sources of an allergic reaction. In such cases, you are not allergic to the animal itself but the substances found in their fur.

• Dust mite allergies

Dust mites are tiny insects that feed on human skin cells. They are one of the most common causes of this medical condition and the reaction occurs when the creatures are inhaled.

Types of Allergy Tests Available

The allergy tests available at our clinic are in the form of IgE blood tests (multi-array blood test) which diagnoses both food and inhalant allergies.

The allergens are identified through allergen-specific IgE antibodies that are produced by the immune system. Each IgE antibody will react to the respective foreign substance if they are present in your blood samples.

You can choose from single or multiple panels of tests after sharing your symptoms during a consultation with our ENT specialist.

Inhale Panel: 7 inhalants

Inhale 1 Panel

  • Cat 
  • Dog
  • Cockroach
  • Dust mite
  • Grass
  • Dust
  • Microorganism

Inhale 2 Panel

  • Different types of microorganisms

Eczema Panel: 10 foods and inhalants

  • Egg white
  • Milk
  • Cat
  • Dog
  • Dust mite
  • Peanut
  • Hazelnut
  • Soya bean
  • Fish (cod)
  • Shrimp

PAEDS Panel: 12 foods

  • Egg white
  • Milk
  • Chicken
  • Anchovies (ikan bilis)
  • Fish (cod)
  • Cocoa
  • Peanut
  • Soya bean
  • Wheat
  • Corn
  • Gluten
  • Sesame seed

Seafood Panel: 8 foods

  • Shrimp
  • Squid
  • Clam
  • Crab
  • Fish (cod)
  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Anchovies (ikan bilis)

Any 1 Test: 26 allergens or total IgE

  • Dust
  • Cat
  • Dog
  • Grass
  • Cockroach
  • Microorganism
  • Dust mite
  • Wheat
  • Corn
  • Sesame seed
  • Peanut
  • Soya bean
  • Hazelnut
  • Gluten
  • Cocoa
  • Egg white
  • Milk
  • Chicken
  • Anchovies (ikan bilis)
  • Fish (cod)
  • Crab
  • Shrimp
  • Tuna
  • Salmon
  • Clam
  • Squid

What To Expect From An Allergy Test

Preparing for an Allergy Test

Woman in a grey sweater writing on a notebook with her handphone and coffee on the table

Before your consultation, it will be helpful to make a list of your symptoms and family history of allergies, if any. You can also include suspected allergens in your list based on your experience or observation.

What Happens During an Allergy Test

Tray of test tubes containing blood samples and two vials filled with blood lying on the table

For the blood test, a small needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm and a test tube will be used to collect your blood. The procedure will take less than 5 minutes.

The results of the blood test will usually take 1 to 2 weeks. 

A positive result indicates that IgE antibodies were produced by your body in response to the allergen. Conversely, a negative result means that the foreign substance does not trigger a reaction from your immune system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need an allergy test?

Identifying your allergens as early as possible will help you in preventing allergic reactions. This is especially crucial for individuals at risk of a severe reaction.

What is the most popular allergen?

The most common allergens are pollen, dust mites, animal dander and food – particularly nuts, shellfish, eggs and cows’ milk.

Are there side effects from an allergy test?

Side effects of allergy blood tests are usually minor and do not last for an extended period of time. 

Patients may observe the following at the area in which the needle is inserted:

  • Swelling and redness
  • Pain or bruising
  • Slight bleeding

Can allergies be treated?

Medication such as antihistamine, nasal spray and decongestants can help to treat some allergy symptoms.

However, for allergies, prevention is the best practice. Prevention means:

  • Avoiding items or food that cause symptoms
  • Changing your lifestyle such as switching to anti-dust mite pillows

Make an Appointment!

Have any questions regarding our services? Just drop us a message and our customer service staff will get back to you as quickly as we can.