Do I need an Allergy test?
Allergy testing is performed to confirm a suspected allergy. It is usually performed on people with suspected allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma or reactions to insect stings or foods. Allergy testing is only part of an allergy assessment. Skin Prick Testing is used together with your clinical history to assess if you have allergies.
What is Allergy Skin Prick testing?
Skin prick testing involves the introduction of a small amount of suspected allergen onto and just below the surface of the skin.
A small superficial break in the skin is made with a plastic pricker which has been dipped into an allergen extract. The skin is then closely observed for 15 minutes for signs of a wheal and flare reaction.
According to the ASCIA (Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy), Skin Prick Testing is considered the gold standard for allergy testing. It has a high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of allergic sensitivities and is well tolerated, carries low risk and delivers rapid results.
Does Allergy testing hurt?
Allergy testing is not painful. The lancet barely penetrates the skins surface. You should feel a small momentary discomfort only.
What do we test for?
We can perform environmental allergy testing and food allergy testing. We test from age 2 years and up.
- Environmental allergy testing; including grass, pollen, dust mite, mould and animal danders.
- Food allergy testing including full food panel, common foods, gut panels, nut and seafood.
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Blood testing
If a skin prick test can’t be carried out, an alternative test using an allergy blood test can be carried out testing for allergen specific igE blood test (RAST test). This result takes one week to return.
For more information, please read ”About Your First Appointment” and ”What To Expect On The day”
How to book
The Australian Allergy Centre is a Mixed Billing provider. Generally, we operate under Medicare's Fully Paid payment method. This means that where your account has been paid in full on the day of your appointment, reimbursement of the Medicare rebate will be made to your nominated bank account almost immediately. This payment will be initiated by swiping your EFTPOS card via the Easyclaim system. Please ensure you have an active Debit Card available to process this reimbursement on the day of your appointment. There are a number of different treatment regimens and protocols that can be utilised. Therefore, the costs and Medicare rebates will be summarised for you when you confirm.