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How to Get an Allergy Test in Australia
Allergic diseases are on the rise in Australia, affecting over four million individuals and increasingly impacting the quality of life for both sufferers and their families.
The fear of anaphylaxis, in particular, can cause considerable anxiety, making daily life challenging for those with severe allergies.
This growing concern highlights the critical need for reliable allergy testing and treatment in Sydney, an essential tool in diagnosing and managing allergic conditions for long-term relief.
In this article, we’ll outline the process of allergy testing in Australia, from food allergy testing to skin prick testing, and compare key differences between popular at home allergy testing kits and visiting an allergy clinic.
What is an Allergy?
Allergies are your immune system’s unique response to substances that are usually harmless or don’t affect most people.
These substances, called allergens, most commonly include certain foods, pollen, and pet dander.
People prone to allergies are often hypersensitive to multiple things and may react differently to various allergens.
Reactions vary depending on the individual, and can range from mild discomfort to severe and potentially life-threatening situations.
Signs & Symptoms of Common Allergies
Allergies can occur at any age and can be triggered by a wide range of factors, like environmental changes, stress, or exposure to new substances.
Some of the most common allergies include:
| Allergy | Cause | Symptoms | Symptom onset | Treatment | Management |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hay fever | Airborne allergens found outdoors or indoors, like pollen | Sneezing, running or blocked nose, itchy eyes | Within minutes to 2–3 hours | Antihistamins, nasal sprays, saline rinses | Immunotherapy |
| Food allergies | Wide variety of foods, from nuts and shellfish to dairy and wheat | Itchiness and hives, anaphylaxis | Immediate to 12–24 hours | Antihistamins, Epipen (epinephrine) | Immunotherapy, allergen avoidance |
| Atopic dermatitis (eczema) | Overactive response by the body’s immune system (skin reaction to certain substances) | Dry, itchy, or cracked skin |
|
Topical steroids, Antihistamins, non-steroidal ointments | Moisturising, topical steroids, medication |
| Allergic asthma | Allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, or mould | Shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing | Within minutes to 2 hours | Inhalers, nasal sprays, Antihistamins | Immunotherapy |
| Anaphylaxis | Food allergies, insect stings, medication | Blocked airways, sudden blood pressure drop, a weak or rapid pulse, skin rash, episodic nausea or vomiting |
|
Epipen (epinephrine), Antihistamins | Trigger avoidance, immunotherapy, Antihistamins |
If you are experiencing severe or recurring allergic responses, you should contact a medical professional for allergy testing and treatment as soon as possible.
Allergy Testing in Australia
In Australia, individuals seeking diagnosis and treatment for their allergies have the option to
undergo at-home allergy testing or opt for a comprehensive clinical assessment.
Home Testing vs Allergy Clinic Testing
While home allergy testing kits provide a convenient means of screening for certain allergies from the comfort of home, they do not match the level of accuracy and reliability of a professional allergy diagnosis.
They have not received certification or approval from any established medical body, and are not considered a substitute for formal assessment.
Let’s compare some of the most common features of home testing kits and comprehensive assessments with allergy specialists:
| Home Allergy Test Kit | Allergy Test Clinic | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $45–$200 | $70–$200 |
| Regulation | Not regulated (non-evidence-based) | Strictly regulated (evidence-based) |
| Process | Finger-prick blood sample, or hair sample, is taken at home and sent to a lab in a prepaid envelope | Consultation with a qualified allergist to determine the appropriate test based on your symptoms and history (skin-prick, patch, blood and specialised blood panel testing) |
| Accuracy | Unreliable results | Highly accurate results |
| Results | Available online in 1–3 weeks | Reviewed with a qualified medical practitioner in:
|
| Treatment | No treatment provided | Develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs with an experienced healthcare provider |
Home Allergy Test Kit
Home testing kits for allergies are readily available.
However, it’s crucial to understand that while these kits provide a measure of convenience, they often do not match the reliability and depth of analysis provided by clinical tests.
Many at-home kits test for IgG antibodies, which merely show that you have been exposed to a food in the past.
They do not indicate a true, dangerous allergy.
According to the Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, online (or at-home) allergy testing kits are not scientifically proven to diagnose allergies, and incorrect results ca often lead to misdiagnosis.
For a comprehensive allergy screening, book an appointment with a specialised allergy clinic
Allergy Test Clinics
For detailed assessment and personalised care for your allergy management, you should undergo testing at specialised allergy clinics in Australia, like Allergy Testing.
At Allergy Testing, we understand that allergies can disrupt your daily life.
If you suspect you have an allergy and are based in Australia, we invite you to book an appointment with our healthcare professionals, who specialise in diagnosing and treating allergies.
The allergy testing process with a healthcare professional is more involved than at-home testing, yields more accurate results, and paves the way for an effective professional treatment plan.
Comprehensive assessment with an Allergy Testing healthcare professional looks like:
Consultation
During your initial appointment, we’ll conduct a thorough review of your symptoms and medical history.
This helps us better understand your condition and informs the next steps in your diagnosis process.
Testing
Based on your specific symptoms and the suspected allergens causing your reactions, we may recommend a variety of tests.
- Skin prick tests: where your skin is pricked with a small amount of suspected allergen to see if a reaction occurs. These tests are low risk, deliver quick results, and can detect sensitivities to over 100 different allergens.
- Blood tests: where the total level of IgE antibodies in your bloodstream are measured to identify specific allergen sensitivities. These provide more accurate results than at-home testing kits, and are typically recommended when skin prick testing would be impractical for the patient (those with severe eczema or those taking medication that may interfere with their results).
- Patch tests: In some cases, patch tests may be recommended, and these require you to wear a patch with the suspected allergen for a few days to see if a reaction occurs. The specific tests recommended will depend on your symptoms, medical history, and potential allergens.
Management
Our ultimate goal is to identify the allergen causing your symptoms so that we can develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your allergies and lifestyle.
We offer two types of immunotherapy treatment (custom sublingual vaccines and supervised injections) to suit your needs, as well as education on long-term allergy-free living.
Follow Up
Your allergy doesn’t end with a diagnosis, and neither should your treatment.
We’ll assess your progress after six months, with regular testing every subsequent six months, to track your symptoms and work towards strengthening you immunotherapy until your allergic symptoms improve.
Where to Get An Allergy Test?
In Australia, a broad spectrum of medical facilities can offer allergy testing services.
Facilities like Allergy Testing in Sydney, with a primary focus on diagnosing and treating allergies and immunity-related conditions, can test for over 100 allergens with no GP referral required.
Remember, it’s always beneficial to book your appointment in advance.
An early booking not only ensures a convenient slot but also provides ample time to understand the process ahead of you, as well as any associated costs.
Allergy Testing FAQs
1. How Much Does An Allergy Test Cost in Australia?
An allergy test in Australia can cost $70–$200 per test. The cost of allergy tests can fluctuate significantly depending on the number of tests being administered and where they are conducted.
For instance, a skin prick test, a common method of testing for allergies, may cost $70–200. On the other hand, an allergy blood test, which can provide detailed information about a person’s allergic reactions, could be priced between $100 and $200.
It’s important to note that these are approximate costs, and the actual cost may vary depending on a variety of factors.
For the most accurate and up-to-date cost, it’s highly recommended to consult with a healthcare provider who can give a more precise estimate based on your circumstances and needs.
2. What to Remember Before Taking An Allergy Test?
Prior to undergoing an allergy test, it is crucial to have a comprehensive discussion about any medications you are currently taking with your healthcare provider.
This is of utmost importance because some medicines have the potential to interfere with the results of the allergy test, thereby affecting its accuracy.
In addition, it is strongly advised that you abstain from consuming any alcoholic beverages or engaging in any form of intense physical activity for a minimum period of 24 hours leading up to the test.
This is to ensure that your body is in its most natural state, which can contribute to the most accurate results.
3. How Long Does an Allergy Test Take?
The duration of an allergy test can vary depending on the type of test being conducted. Some tests, such as skin prick tests, may take approximately 15–20 minutes.
This includes the time needed for the skin to react to the allergens.
- Blood tests: On the other hand, if you have not had a blood test for your allergy, it is best to determine this at your initial consultation with your allergist, as this allows for a more informed choice of the tests available. The test results may take a few days before they can be analysed in a laboratory.
- Patch tests: Patch tests are another form of allergy testing, where a patch with the suspected allergen is applied to the skin for a few days. This method can take up to 48 hours for a reaction to occur. As always, the specifics and duration of the test will depend on your symptoms and needs.
4. How Long Do Allergy Test Results Take?
Once the tests are conducted, our allergists will interpret the results.
A positive test result generally indicates that you are sensitised to the specific allergen tested.
In contrast, a negative result may indicate that you are not sensitised to it.
While these tests can occasionally produce false positives or negatives.
Therefore, it is crucial to discuss the results with your healthcare provider to understand them fully and plan appropriate treatments or management strategies. Contact us to book an appointment today.
