Where to start the examination
AlaTOP is a mixture of the most common inhalant and food allergens in one test. The result is qualitative: positive or negative. The logic of application is simple: if the test is negative, the allergic nature of the symptoms is unlikely, and further expensive panel examination is not required - the doctor is looking for another cause. If positive, then specific panels are selected depending on the clinical picture. This approach saves money and time: instead of handing over a dozen panels at random, the patient first receives an answer to a fundamental question. The test is especially useful in cases of unclear clinical picture - chronic cough, recurrent urticaria, prolonged runny nose.
Blood test instead of skin test
Determination of specific IgE in the blood has important advantages over skin tests: it can be carried out during an exacerbation, while taking antihistamines, with severe dermatitis, when the skin is unsuitable for testing, and in young children. There is also no risk of a systemic reaction, since the allergen is not introduced into the body.
The panel format allows you to immediately test a group of related allergens in one blood draw - it is cheaper and more informative than testing each one separately.
How to read the result
- class 0 - no antibodies detected
- class 1 - low level, clinical significance is questionable
- grades 2–3 - moderate level, reaction is likely
- grades 4–6 – high and very high level, reaction is very likely
The main rule of interpretation
The presence of specific IgE means sensitization - the readiness of the immune system to respond, but not the allergy itself. A diagnosis is made only if laboratory data coincide with real symptoms after contact with this allergen. That is why you should not exclude a product from the diet only on the basis of analysis, without clinical manifestations - especially in children.