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Allergies in children can be scary, but securing an accurate and pain-free diagnosis doesn’t have to be.
Our allergy specialists provide a range of options for kids’ allergy testing, including skin prick tests, as well as less invasive routes like patch tests, all conducted in a safe, calming environment.
As a children’s allergy clinic, we are dedicated to providing accurate testing that ensures peace of mind for both parents and children.
Whether it’s through a skin prick or patch test, Allergy Testing Sydney offers a number of allergy tests for kids, most of which function similarly to allergy testing for adults.
Children’s allergy testing is normally undertaken when the primary caregiver has noted an onset of children’s allergy symptoms, which may include skin rashes, coughing, sneezing, or more.
Allergy tests for kids help identify the specific allergens triggering these reactions, ensuring appropriate treatment.
Early detection can lead to more effective kids’ allergy management, and ensures both parents and children are prepared in the event of an emergency.
There are several types of allergy tests for children that can help identify what’s causing your child’s allergic reactions, whether that’s food, pollen, or pets.
These are some of the most common tests:
A skin prick test is the most common allergy test for children. For this test, tiny amounts of allergens are placed on the skin, and the skin is gently pricked. If your child is allergic, a small raised bump will form at the test site. This test can identify many common allergens, including pollen, pet dander, and certain foods.
A blood test is another way to check for allergies by measuring the level of antibodies in the blood. This type of test is useful if your child is too young for a skin prick test (below six months) or has skin conditions that make the skin prick test difficult.
For children’s allergies to substances like metals or fragrances, a patch test may be used. Small amounts of allergens are placed on a patch that is stuck to your child’s skin for a few days. This test checks for delayed allergic reactions, which may appear hours or days after exposure.
If your child is suspected of having food allergies, a food challenge allergy test for children might be recommended. Your child will eat small amounts of the suspected allergen under careful medical supervision to monitor for reactions.
After the test, depending on the results, Allergy Testing Sydney can recommend the best treatment options.
We start with a consultation to discuss your child’s symptoms and medical history to determine the best testing options.
We perform the appropriate allergy tests (whether that’s skin prick, blood tests, or patch tests) to identify any allergens causing reactions. The test chosen will depend on age, what the suspected allergens are, as well as any additional health concerns your child may have.
Once the results are in, we create a personalised treatment plan, which might include day-to-day children’s allergy relief, as well as emergency measures like an EpiPen, to be used in the event of anaphylactic reactions.
Allergy testing for kids operates the same way as it does for adults, with the exception of skin prick testing, which isn’t usually conducted on infants under six months.
Over six months, allergy tests (the patch test, the food challenge test, and the blood test) are conducted in the same way.
There are four main ways to test for allergies in children.
No more so than a needle. There are a few different ways to test for allergies in children, and all are minimally invasive.
The most uncomfortable part is usually the allergic reaction, if it occurs, but due to the way the tests are conducted, these reactions should be mild, and will be monitored by immunology experts, who are well equipped to respond to an emergency.
Children can develop allergies at any age, and they should be tested as soon as they show symptoms, although skin tests are rarely conducted before six months of age.
These symptoms might include skin rashes, trouble breathing, coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and an upset stomach.
If your child is showing these symptoms, the best thing you can do (assuming the symptoms aren’t life-threatening) is to make an appointment with an allergist.
Additionally, you should keep a logbook of the symptoms and exposures.
This will help you to identify any patterns, and when the time comes to see an allergist, this information can be invaluable.
Allergy Testing Sydney is a leading clinic in Sydney, offering comprehensive allergy testing and management services for children.
With over 50 years of experience, we provide a range of diagnostic tests, including skin prick and patch tests, to identify sensitivities to common allergens like foods, pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, with many tests yielding outcomes on the same day.
Our allergy specialists work closely with families to develop personalised treatment plans, ensuring the best care for your child’s health needs.
Allergies can trigger various conditions. We provide targeted testing based on your clinical history to identify the most relevant allergens, ensuring effective treatment.
The skin prick test is a routine test performed by allergists. It involves placing small amounts of allergens onto the skin then with a small lancet a superficial break in the skin is made. The test is monitored for 15 minutes and observed for any signs of a wheal or flare reaction. The skin prick test is low risk and delivers quick results for the doctor to gain an indication of each patient’s sensitivity.
After an initial consultation, Dr Baker determines which allergens to test. The test will span over 40 allergens on your first appointment, with foods and inhalants extensively tested at no extra cost.
Dr Baker’s preferred method of treatment is immunotherapy with a sublingual vaccine that is made on the premises and prescribed specifically for each patient. The treatment costs less than $1 a day and targets the allergens causing the patients sensitivity through a desensitising process.In order for the vaccine to be prescribed Dr Baker performs a second set of tests involving intradermal testing using very weak dilutions of the specific allergen in order in order to determine a safe and effective starting dose for each patient.
The test involves injecting small amounts of diluted allergen extracts just under the skin. After waiting ten minutes, the skin is examined for a reaction. This procedure can be repeated using two to three dilutions of the same extracts, getting subsequently stronger or weaker each time. Once the patients skin reacts positively to a particular allergen(s), the test is complete and a vaccine can be made to desensitise against the allergens causing the patient problems.
This test is performed in cases of contact dermatitis (Eczema) or any other allergy is suspected. The allergens are prepared in appropriate concentrations in white soft paraffin (e.g. Vaseline) and are then spread on to discs, 1 cm diameter. The discs (which are made of a special metal, cannot themselves provoke a reaction) are placed on the skin, usually on the back, and are kept in place by hypoallergenic tape. The skin is coded appropriately and the patient is asked to keep the skin dry. The patches are left in place for 48 hours.
After 48 hours the discs are removed, the skin is examined and any redness or swellings are noted. The skin is re-examined after a further 48 hours for any remaining local redness or swelling. The interpretation of this form of testing is not as simple as it sounds and tends to be carried out by a doctor. The symptoms of contact dermatitis need to be brought under control before patch testing can be carried out, otherwise the results will be unreliable. Steroid creams need to be stopped for 3-4 weeks before testing as they may suppress the test response. Any professional interpreting skin, blood or patch tests must first interpret the results in the light of the patient’s history. No test should be read in isolation.
Despite continuing advances in the diagnosis of immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated inhalant and food allergy utilizing in vitro technology, the otolaryngic allergist should be familiar with the principles and practise of skin endpoint titration (SET). Skin testing techniques and responses will allow proper interpretation of in vitro-based antigen vial tests, will permit the blending of in vitro and in vivo test methods within the allergy practice, and will often give a clearer picture when a practitioner is caught in a confusing situation. Preparing to do a skin Endpoint Titration Test is time consuming and labour intensive requiring a trained scientific officer or doctor to perform the tests. A immunotherapy dosage for either injection or sub-lingual vaccine can be better determined using this method.
Visit us L7 William Bland Centre 229 Macquarie Street Sydney, NSW, 2000
Call us on (02) 9221 1511
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