Before making the final diagnosis, remember that several factors must be considered. Knowledge and understanding of the following topics will give a better overall picture of the patient’s situation.
Age
Children under two years of age may suffer from allergic disease although presenting with a lower concentrations of allergen Specific IgE antibodies than older individuals.
Degree of atopy
Patients with a family history of allergy are at higher risk of developing allergy. The majority, however, of allergic children have non-allergic parents.
Allergen load
Take into account the total allergen sensitization, even if only one or a few allergens seem important at the time of the investigation. Different sensitizations may accumulate and it may be the least obvious that leads to symptom development. Multiple allergen sensitization indicates a higher risk of developing severe allergic disease.
Type of sensitizing allergen
Some allergens (e.g. peanut and tree-nuts) are considered to be particularly dangerous as they more often provoke severe symptoms such as anaphylaxis and asthma.
Previous symptoms
If the patient has experienced symptoms such as eczema, asthma and/or anaphylaxis in the past, even low IgE antibody levels must be considered.
Other triggering factors
Bacterial and viral infections as well as pollution frequently exacerbate symptoms in the allergic patient.
Adding the above considerations to an IgE antibody test result, combined with previous medical history and a physical examination, means that the allergy investigation can be fine-tuned to give a highly informative picture. The ImmunoCAP Specific IgE test result then forms a sound, scientific basis for a correct diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of the allergic patient.