THE AUSTRALIAN ALLERGY CENTRE INTRODUCES THE OPTION OF AN EXTENDED NUT PANEL FOR ALLERGY TESTING

The Australian Allergy Centre is excited to announce the expansion of its Food Allergy panels for skin prick testing, with the introduction of extensive tree nut testing.

At the Australian Allergy Centre, the standard panel for skin prick testing is the Airborne Allergen panel. This panel is bulk-billed and includes a range of common inhaled allergens including grass, tree and weed pollens, dust mite, mould spores and animal dander.

Should it be indicated, the Food Allergen panel can be performed for an additional $150. This panel covers milk, egg, and a variety of grains, seafood, meats, fruits and vegetables. Previously we were only testing PEANUT, the most common nut allergen. However, we now know that there is cross reactivity between proteins. Cross reactivity is when the immune system recognises that proteins in different allergens are similar (though not exact) and stimulates an allergic reaction. Hence, patients with one nut allergy often have other nut allergies.

The extensive Nut panel is now available for $75, for individuals in which a nut allergy is suspected and whom require more extensive testing. The extensive nut panel includes peanut, walnut, hazelnut, pecan, pistachio, almond, macadamia, brazil, cashew and pine nuts.

For more information or to book an appointment, contact us on 1300 MY ALLERGY.