Allergy Check Test
Introduction
When an allergy strikes it can be an annoying inconvenience, or it might be a dramatic incident that requires medical intervention. From the puffy eyes and sneezing brought on by animal fur or hay fever, through to the sickness and breathing difficulties of an extreme reaction to a sting or bite, it varies from person to person.
According to Allergy UK up to 30% of the population are affected by allergies. If you suffer from an allergy it’s vital to identify to what you are allergic so you can start to deal with the problem.
Sometimes it’s very clear what is causing your reaction – but there are also many less obvious allergens that can cause you to suffer, and you may not be very aware of the link between your symptoms and their cause.
Should I consider an Allergy Check?
If you suffer from symptoms such as those listed below you may well have an allergy and our Allergy Check test could provide you with important information:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Swelling
- Itchy eyes, ears, lips and palate (roof of mouth)
- Wheezing
- Sinus pain (pressure or pain high up in the nose, around the eyes and the front of the skull)
- Asthmatic-like symptoms
It is important to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than allergies. See your GP, or ask your pharmacist for advice if you are not sure what is wrong.
Testing is the quickest route to helping you control your allergy and avoid the allergens that cause your reaction. Our Allergy Check Test is a new test for multiple environmental allergens.
You should not take the Allergy Test if you are suffering with a blood borne disease such as Hepatitis or HIV, or are pregnant. The test is also unsuitable for children under the age of two years old.
How does the allergy test work?
Our Allergy Test is an easy to use, simple finger-prick blood test that can be carried out in the comfort of your own home, without the need to go to a clinic or visit a specialist.
When you place an order, a test kit is sent to you in the post, which contains everything you need to collect your blood sample. Once you have collected your sample, you simply post it to our laboratories for analysis.
The test measures the severity of your allergic reaction to the most common food and environmental allergens. The results are given for each allergen, indicating the strength of the allergic reaction on a scale of 0-2.
Your results will usually be sent to you within 10-12 working days, and will be presented in a clear, understandable format. You will also receive a pack filled with additional information about what actions you could take next.
If you would like a full description of the test procedure, please click here to read what you will need to do.
*Euro value is an estimate only, subject to current exchange rate based on British pounds sterling.
Further Information
What is an allergy?
An allergy is an exaggerated reaction in your body to touching or inhaling something (an ‘allergen’) that challenges your system. The immune system wrongly identifies what are normally harmless substances as hazardous, and is triggered into reacting to the allergen as though it were a dangerous germ, bacteria or virus. It perceives the allergens as invaders and releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) against them.
This over-production of IgE irritates cells in the body and stimulates them into producing a group of chemicals, including histamine. The release of these chemicals causes inflammation and irritation in the body and produces the classic symptoms of an allergic reaction. When histamine is doing its job properly it plays an important part in protecting damaged tissues, but when there isn’t any damage for it to actually repair, it instead causes the irritation and inflammation that lead to those common symptoms.
This reaction to an allergen is normally fairly immediate and the symptoms include itchy skin, swelling or wheezing. Severe allergic reactions can lead to breathing difficulties and shock. If you suffer from an allergy it is important to identify to what you are allergic to as this will help you deal with the symptoms in the proper manner.
Allergic reactions do not happen the first time you come into contact with the allergen, but at a later time when you come into contact with the allergen again. This is because the body has to develop a ‘sensitivity’ to something before it can become allergic to it. The body has a system that ‘remembers’ allergies so that it will react every time it comes into contact with the allergen subsequently. Normally this system is used to ‘remember’ the harmful germs and pathogens that attack the body so that the immune system can respond quickly to subsequent attacks. In the case of allergies however, it misidentifies the allergen as harmful.
Quite why some people have immune systems that can make this mistake is not fully understood, but it is clear from research that some predisposition to allergy can be inherited, thus making it seem as though it is genetic. Other people can develop allergies with no prior family history to show where it might have come from.
Whilst there are treatments for combating relieving the effects of allergies, the best course of action is to identify the culprit and do what you can to avoid contact with it.
*Euro value is an estimate only, subject to current exchange rate based on British pounds sterling.
Test FAQ
Which allergens are tested in the AllergyCheck?
The panel tests for:
*For more information about the moulds that are tested {click here}
How long will it take to receive my results?
Your results will be sent back to you within 10-12 working days, along with relevant advice on actions you can take to avoid or reduce the allergens identified.
What will my test results look like?
Your results will be clearly laid out and easy to understand – to see a sample of how results for this test are presented, {click here}.
What does the test kit include?
The contents of the test kit will be sent in a strong, secure box. This box will contain:
What are you expecting me to provide you with?
You’ll need to use the finger prick lancets to prick your finger or thumb tip with, so that you can put a few drops of blood into the collection tube.
You’ll just need to give it a gentle shake for five seconds before placing the sample tube inside the container tube to keep it secure, and put it, together with the used lancets into the box. Complete the form with your details and send that, together with the box containing your sample, back to us in the reply-paid envelope.
How do I complete the test kit?
Full, illustrated instructions are enclosed with your test kit. To see what the instructions look like, click here.
What do I have to do before the test?
You should keep your lifestyle as normal as possible in the run up to taking the test. If you have not been exposed to an allergen for a period of time, this may produce a false negative.
Is it safe to post back my sample?
The box containing your kit, and in which you will return your sample, is very strong – the laboratory have never had any problems in all their years of operating. Follow the instructions for returning your sample, and it will be completely safe.
How do I post back my sample?
Just pop the box containing your sample and any returned items (such as the lancets), plus your completed form, into the reply-paid envelope, and post it as normal.
If I am taking medication or nutritional supplements can I still do the test?
If you are taking steroids, immunosuppressants or are pregnant or breast feeding you cannot take any of our tests.
Does the laboratory provide everything needed to do the test?
Yes it does. Everything you need is included in the kit, complete with full instructions. If you have any problems with the contents of the kit, or with understanding the procedure, simply call the Customer Care Line number, which is clearly printed on the instructions.
How quickly do I have to return my blood sample?
Your sample must be returned within two days of taking it.
Do the finger prick blood tests hurt?
All our tests have been designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. YorkTest’s finger prick blood sampling is much less painful than taking a full blood draw and full instructions are provided to ensure sample taking is as quick and convenient as possible. However if you are concerned a member of the YorkTest Customer Care team will be happy to advise on the best way to take your sample.
Where do you conduct the analysis?
YorkTest operates a state of the art laboratory, which utilises the very latest biotechnology testing facilities.
What is the best technique for taking a good blood sample?
Before taking your sample run warm water over your hand to encourage blood flow, please ensure you dry your hands before taking your sample. Use your index finger, stand upright and press your finger to apply pressure.
My child is taking the test and I am struggling to take a sample – what can you recommend?
With children it can sometimes be easier and more comfortable taking the sample from the heel of their foot if it is difficult to use their index finger.
What do you do with my blood sample after it has been used?
All samples are destroyed after testing.
Can the lancet be used on parts of the body other than my index finger?
Although the index finger is recommended, it can also be used on the heel of your foot.
Do I have to visit my GP or Medical doctor to take the blood sample?
No, the majority of our test samples can be completed by yourself in the comfort of your own home.
