Allergy Phadiatop Test - Screening IgE With (Adult & >5y) in Mumbai

An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system that causes undesirable reactions to certain substances like food, dust, pollen, drugs or even animal dander. These reactions normally do not occur in others. The substance causing the reaction is an allergen. Immunoglobin E is an antibody that the body produces in case of an allergic reaction. Total IgE test is a blood test used to measure the complete IgE levels in the blood, but it does not indicate what is the specific allergen causing the reaction. Phadiotop is an allergy screening test that uses ImmunoCAP with comprehensive inhalant allergens like pollen, animal dander, grass, weed etc. It is a highly specific and sensitive test for detecting inhalant allergies. It differentiates atopic from non-atopic cases.

What is an allergy?

An allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder of the immune system. It causes an undesired reaction to harmless substances like food, drugs, pollen, dust or animal dander. These allergic reactions are not common to every person.

When an allergen (allergy-causing substance) enters the body, the immune system produces immunoglobulin IgE antibodies. These are produced to fight foreign substances. These antibodies trigger the release of histamines from the mast cells present in the skin, lining of the intestine, air passage, etc. This causes allergic symptoms.

What is an allergy phadiatop test?

Phadiotop is an excellent allergy screening test. It helps to detect inhalant allergens. It uses an ImmunoCAP with a balanced mixture of inhalant allergens present in the air. These allergens could be dust, pollen, animal dander, mould, grass, weed etc. This test is a highly specific and sensitive test. It is used for detecting allergies caused by allergens present in the air.

The phadiotop test measures the IgE-mediated response to inhalant allergens. It differentiates atopic from non-atopic cases. Further tests for a specific allergen will help in further diagnosis.

When is an allergy phadiatop test performed?

An allergy phadiatop test is performed in the following situations:

• To confirm the allergen causing the allergy.
• The test does not access the sensitivity to food, drugs or other substances. It is highly specific to inhalant allergens.
• To know the root cause of allergy that can help distinguishes atopic from non-atopic allergy and provide an allergen-specific treatment.
• Identifying the allergen can help reduce further exposure to them and prevent allergies.

When is an allergy phadiatop test performed?

An allergy phadiatop test is performed in cases of suspected inhalant allergies. The common symptoms are:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itching
• Diarrhoea
• Hives

In some cases, severe symptoms may also lead to anaphylactic shock. We should consult the doctor if we experience allergic symptoms very often. Untreated allergies may get worse with time. Once the allergen-causing allergic symptoms are known, it is possible to minimise or even eliminate the exposure to such allergens.

Written by: Dr.Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs