Allergy comprehensive profile test

This test helps in the identification of antibodies to certain common inhalational agents (also called as ALLERGENS) to which your body may have a hyper immune response. Inhalational allergens are those substances which when inhaled trigger an allergic reaction in certain individuals. This test includes testing of antibodies against the 34 most common inhalational allergens. Detection of allergen specific antibodies will help in making certain lifestyle modifications and taking precautionary measures to avoid allergic response and serious consequences.

When you are exposed to these substances (allergens), immune response is over activated and there is an increased production of IgE immunoglobulin. These immunoglobulins stimulate the release of certain chemicals like histamine which cause allergic symptoms at various sites like skin, eyes, nose, digestive tract and airway. Common symptoms of allergy include the following:

• Sneezing
• Runny nose/stuffy nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting, loose motions
• Rashes
• Anaphylactic shock-severe form of allergic reaction which may even cause death

Why is allergy comprehensive profile blood test prescribed?

Your health care provider may ask you to take this test if he suspects certain periodic or persistent symptoms/diseases which are associated with allergy, like:

• Itchy bumpy rashes on skin, itchy skin
• Excessive sneezing/coughing
• Recurrent stuffy nose/blocked nose
• Throat irritation
• Difficulty in breathing/recurrent pneumonia
• Asthma
• Eczema
• Nausea, vomiting
• Persistent loose motions and abdominal pain
• Swelling of lips, mouth, face, tongue
• Panic attack, confusion

This test also helps to monitor the response of treatment of various allergic diseases.

What are the components of allergy comprehensive profile blood test?

The list of potential allergens which are tested are:<

1. Bermuda grass

2. Timothy grass

3. Johnson grass

4. Cultivated rye

5. Cultivated corn

6. Eucalyptus

7. Mesquite

8. Mugwort

9. Goosefood

10. Cocklebur

11. Rough pigweed

12. Carnation flower

13. Sunflower

14. House dust mite mix

15. Dermatophagoides farinae

16. Cockroach, German

17. Penicillium notatum

18. Cladosporium herbarum

19. Aspergillus fumigates

20. Mucor racemosus

21. Candida albicans

22. Alternaria alternata

23. Rhizopus nigricans

24. Curvularia lunata

25. Trichophyton mentagrophytes

26. Cat

27. Dog

28. Pigeon feathers

29. Chicken feathers

30. Cotton (treated)

31. Straw dust

32. Jute

33. Sheep’s wool

34. CCD marker

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for allergy comprehensive profile test is blood, which is collected by inserting a small needle into a vein in your arm. You may feel some pain due to needle prick. No special preparations are required.

Reference range

Reference range for allergen specific IgE levels, calculated in EAST classes:

Class	Concentration (kU/l)	Result
0	< 0.35	No specific antibodies detected
1	0.35 to < 0.7	Very low antibody titre, frequently no clinical symptoms where sensitisation is present.
2	0.7 to < 3.5	Low antibody titre, existing sensitisation, frequently with clinical symptoms in the upper range of class.
3	3.5 to < 17.5	Significant antibody titre, clinical symptoms usually present.
4	17.5 to < 50.0	High antibody titre, almost always with clinical symptoms.
5	50.0 to < 100.0	Very high antibody titre
6	>100.0	Very high antibody titre