The Allergy Screen Children’s Panel Blood Test is a diagnostic tool designed to identify common allergies in children by measuring IgE antibodies in the blood. Children often develop allergies to various foods, environmental factors, or other substances, which can cause a range of symptoms from mild discomfort to severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This panel typically screens for multiple common allergens, providing a broad understanding of a child’s allergic sensitivities.

Purpose of the Children’s Allergy Screen Blood Test

  • To detect IgE-mediated allergic reactions in children to common allergens.
  • To identify potential triggers of allergic symptoms such as eczema, asthma, gastrointestinal issues, or anaphylaxis.
  • To guide parents and healthcare providers in managing the child’s allergies, including dietary changes and environmental modifications.

Common Allergens Tested in the Children’s Panel

The allergens tested may vary based on the specific panel, but typically include:

1. Food Allergens:

  • Cows Milk
  • Cod
  • Egg White
  • Egg Yolk
  • Hazelnut
  • Peanut
  • Wheat Flour
  • Soya Bean

2. Environmental Allergens:

  • Cat Dander
  • Dog Dander
  • Dust Mite
  • Silver Birch
  • Timothy Grass

Types of Allergy Blood Tests in the Children’s Panel

  1. Specific IgE Testing:
    • Measures the level of IgE antibodies against specific allergens (e.g., milk, peanuts, pollen).
    • A positive result indicates that the child’s immune system has developed an allergic response to a particular allergen.
  2. Total IgE Testing:
    • Measures the overall level of IgE antibodies in the blood. High levels may indicate an allergic predisposition but do not specify which allergens are involved.
  3. Component-Resolved Diagnostics (CRD):
    • In some cases, this advanced testing can be used to identify specific proteins in foods or environmental allergens that trigger allergic reactions.
    • CRD can help differentiate between true allergies and cross-reactivity due to environmental exposures.

Symptoms of Allergies in Children

  • Respiratory Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing (asthma).
  • Skin Reactions: Eczema, hives, rashes, itching, and swelling.
  • Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, or difficulty swallowing (often associated with food allergies).
  • Anaphylaxis: A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

Interpreting Test Results

  • Class 0: No detectable IgE to the allergen; unlikely to be allergic.
  • Class 1-6: Increasing levels of IgE antibodies indicate increasing sensitivity to the allergen, with Class 6 representing the highest likelihood of a severe reaction.
    • Low-level IgE results may indicate mild sensitivity or suggest that the child may outgrow the allergy.
    • High-level IgE results suggest a more significant and persistent allergy, which may require strict avoidance of the allergen.

Diagnosis and Management

  1. Oral Food Challenges:
    • If a food allergy is suspected based on the IgE test, an oral food challenge under medical supervision may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the severity of the allergy.
  2. Elimination Diet:
    • Children diagnosed with food allergies must avoid the identified allergens. A dietitian may assist in creating a nutritionally balanced diet that excludes the allergen.
  3. Environmental Modifications:
    • If environmental allergens (e.g., pollen, dust mites, animal dander) are detected, changes at home such as using air filters, cleaning more frequently, or limiting exposure to pets may be recommended.
  4. Emergency Preparedness:
    • For severe allergies, particularly to foods or insect stings, parents should be prepared with an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) and an action plan in case of accidental exposure.
  5. Allergen Immunotherapy:
    • In some cases, allergen immunotherapy (e.g., allergy shots) may be recommended, especially for environmental allergies like pollen or dust mites, to reduce the child’s sensitivity to the allergen over time.

When is a Children’s Allergy Blood Test Recommended?

  • If the child shows symptoms of allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, asthma, or gastrointestinal issues.
  • If there is a family history of allergies, particularly food allergies, asthma, or eczema.
  • For children with recurrent respiratory infections, wheezing, or skin conditions like eczema, as these may be linked to underlying allergies.
  • To confirm or rule out specific allergies when a child reacts to foods or environmental factors.

The Allergy Screen (Children’s Panel) Blood Test provides valuable insight into a child’s allergic sensitivities, helping parents and healthcare providers to better manage the child’s health and prevent allergic reactions. Consulting with a paediatric allergist is crucial for interpreting the test results and implementing an appropriate treatment plan.

Results – 2 days from Laboratory receiving sample

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