This page covers information for the following appointments. Click below for the type of appointment that you are after:
INITIAL ALLERGY TESTING APPOINTMENT
Your initial allergy appointment will take about 1 hour.
Allow for about 5 minutes on arrival to complete any patient registration information.
You will first be seen by our allergy trained nurse and then Doctor.
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History
A comprehensive medical, allergy, ENT, skin and sleep history will be taken.
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Allergy testing
If appropriate, allergy skin prick testing will be performed with same day results. Allergy testing takes 15 minutes. Due to Medicare billing restrictions, only food or environmental testing can be performed on any one day.
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Optional Breathing tests
Patients with airway disease require measurements of their airway function. Some patients may require lung function testing such as spirometry or rhinomanometry testing the ability to breathe through the nose.
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Allergy Examination
An allergy focussed examination may also include oral and nasal airway examination. A camera view of the nose to the adenoid called a nasoendoscopy assesses for upper airway obstruction.
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Get Answers and a Plan
Our Doctors will give you a comprehensive treatment plan and explain your options. This may include Allergy Kits, Courses, Classes or Care conferences. Our specialist partners will be notified for those with urgent medical needs. For those who have complex needs, a case conference may be initiated to gain the opinions of other interdisciplinary specialists. Our Doctors will involve the relevant specialists and allied health to share in your Allergy care.
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Arrange review
You won’t be on your own. We plan to keep your allergies under best control by planning to see you regularly for follow ups.
MEDICAL AIRWAY ASSESSMENT APPOINTMENT
Your initial allergy appointment will take about 1 hour.
Allow for about 5 minutes on arrival to complete any patient registration information.
You will first be seen by our allergy trained nurse and then Doctor.
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History
A comprehensive medical, allergy, ENT, skin and sleep history will be taken.
-
Allergy testing
If appropriate, allergy skin prick testing will be performed with same day results. Allergy testing takes 15 minutes. Due to Medicare billing restrictions, only food or environmental testing can be performed on any one day.
-
Optional Breathing tests
Patients with airway disease require measurements of their airway function. Some patients may require lung function testing such as spirometry or rhinomanometry testing the ability to breathe through the nose.
-
Allergy Examination
An allergy focussed examination may also include oral and nasal airway examination. A camera view of the nose to the adenoid called a nasoendoscopy assesses for upper airway obstruction.
-
Get Answers and a Plan
Our Doctors will give you a comprehensive treatment plan and explain your options. This may include Allergy Kits, Courses, Classes or Care conferences. Our specialist partners will be notified for those with urgent medical needs. For those who have complex needs, a case conference may be initiated to gain the opinions of other interdisciplinary specialists. Our Doctors will involve the relevant specialists and allied health to share in your Allergy care.
-
Arrange review
You won’t be on your own. We plan to keep your allergies under best control by planning to see you regularly for follow ups.
CONTACT PATCH TESTING APPOINTMENT
Your initial allergy appointment will take about 1 hour.
Allow for about 5 minutes on arrival to complete any patient registration information.
You will first be seen by our allergy trained nurse and then Doctor.
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History
A comprehensive medical, allergy, ENT, skin and sleep history will be taken.
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Allergy testing
If appropriate, contact patch testing maybe recommended.
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Preparing for the test:
The administration of oral corticosteroids, and application of topical corticosteroids to the test area (upper back), must be ceased two weeks prior to patch testing, and continue to be avoided for the duration of the patch test and review period. This is important as such pharmacological treatments may suppress or alter a positive reaction, and interfere with accurate test interpretation
How the test is applied: Patch testing involves applying small amounts of various allergens onto small squares on a larger patch, and the adherence of the patch or patches onto the skin. Patches are typically placed on an individual’s back and worn for 48 hours. The test area is usually examined for signs of an allergic reaction at 48 and 72-96 hours following initial patch application.
At the Australian Allergy Centre we use Chemotechnique patches and the Australian Baseline Series to test for the most common causative agents of contact dermatitis. Substances tested include nickel, fragrances, parabens and a range of other allergen components commonly found within jewellery, metal, cosmetics, skin care products, soaps, fragrances, hair shampoos, conditioners and dyes, topical medications, creams and ointments, adhesives and bandages, fabrics, inks, household disinfectants and industrial products, and other everyday materials.
What’s a positive reaction: A positive reaction generally becomes red and itchy at the test site. Swelling or a small fluid-filled blister may develop. Positive reactions usually become apparent by 72-96 hours. Occasionally reactions can take longer to develop – up to two weeks.
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How to care of your patch test:
To ensure the most accurate interpretation of your patch test, it is important to minimise exposure of the test area to moisture while the patch is in place. Avoid wetting the area when showering or bathing, and participating in activities which may cause you to sweat excessively such as sunbaking and exercising. After patch removal it is advised you continue to keep the area as dry as possible, however showering is permitted.
Please note” some substances may stain the skin; this is normal and stains will wash off after a couple of days with showering or bathing. Scrubbing of the area is not recommended before your final review.
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What you can expect
It is common to experience burning and itching sensations on and around the test area, however scratching and rubbing of the test area should be avoided.
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Appointment scheduling for patch testing
You will need to make a few appointments with our team for the patch interpretation process as some reactions can occur after the patch is removed.
Appointment What will be done Visit First appointment Contact patch is placed on your back 1st visit Removal appointment Patch is removed 48 hrs after 1st visit Review appointment Re-review patch 76 hrs after 1st visit Review appointment Re-review patch Doctors review
CASE CONFERENCE
Your case conference appointment will take about 1 hour. Allow for about 30 minutes on arrival to complete any testing such as breathing tests with the nurse. You will be told which Doctors or allied health practitioners are available for your case conference When you enter the room, you will be introduced to the specialist by your Doctor and Nurse and introduced to any other members consented for your case conference.
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Review your history
A comprehensive review of your medical history will be presented.
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Review your test results
Your test results such as Allergy tests, CT scans, breathing tests results or results of courses of challenges will be presented to the team.
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Get Specialist input
Your specialists will have an opportunity to take a history and examine you and present their advice.
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Have real time Inter-specialist discussion
Your team will have an opportunity to give additional expert input and discuss your case together in the same room. A patient-centred approach means you also have an opportunity to clarify with your team members your plan and agree on your goals.
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Get on the day Answers and a Plan
You will receive a copy of the case conference plan so you know exactly what your team has agreed on together with you.
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Arrange reviews
You won’t be on your own. Your GP will arrange with you any necessary referrals, further tests or EPC plans to ensure you follow up on the plans and see any professionals needed to be involved in your care.