Allergy Testing

When a person is exposed to an allergen for the first time, their immune system may become sensitised by producing a specific antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). On future exposure, the antibodies recognise the allergen and trigger the release of chemicals such as histamine, which cause allergic symptoms. These symptoms usually appear where the allergen enters the body, for example, the mouth, nose, lungs or skin.  

Allergic reactions can affect different parts of the body.  

• Skin – rash, dermatitis, eczema, itching 
• Respiratory system – coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, throat tightness, asthma, red itchy eyes 
• Gastrointestinal system – tingling or itching in the mouth, swelling of the tongue or throat, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea.   

Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening and my cause anaphylaxis, which requires immediate treatment with adrenaline.  

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, speak to your GP. They can help identify possible triggers and guide you through testing and treatment options.

Diagnosis begins with a review of your symptoms, family history and personal history, including when symptoms started, whether they are seasonal and what triggers them. Environmental and lifestyle factors such as pollution, smoking, exercise, alcohol, medications and stress may also influence symptoms. Once your doctor has narrowed down the possible allergens, specific testing can be done.

Your clinical history is the most important factor in guiding which allergen tests to order.

Allergy testing can include skin prick testing or a simple blood test called serum-specific IgE testing. This blood test detects allergen-specific IgE in your sample and is used to confirm sensitivities once a clinical diagnosis of allergy has been made.

Testing is available for a wide range of food and environmental allergens and helps diagnose allergies to foods, insect venom, some medications and latex. It also supports the management of allergic conditions such as asthma, eczema and hay fever by identifying relevant triggers.

Clinical Labs offers a wide selection of serum-specific IgE tests, which can be selected based on your symptoms. To view our current test offering, download the list below.

Allergen-Specific IgE Test List

• Can be ordered by a GP while you wait for a specialist appointment   
• Can be performed even if you have extensive skin disease   
• Not affected by medications such as antihistamines or steroids  

You can visit any of our Clinical Labs collection centres across Australia. We welcome and accept all pathology request forms. To find your nearest collection centre, visit our Locations page.

Medicare covers up to four patient episodes (blood tests) of allergen-specific IgE testing within any 12-month period. Each blood test may include four single allergens, four allergen mixes or any combination of four allergens and mixes. If tests are not ordered together, each additional episode will require a new referral and specimen collection.  

Tests beyond this limit will incur an out-of-pocket cost of $15 per individual allergen or allergen mix.    

1. Avoidance and elimination: The best way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid exposure to the allergen.  

• For food allergies, this may mean a lifelong elimination and careful label reading   
• For insect or animal allergies, avoidance is recommended 
• For airborne allergens like pollens, limiting outdoor exposure may help 

2. Desensitisation (Immunotherapy): If avoidance is not possible, immunotherapy may be recommended. This includes regular injections of the allergen in increasing doses to help your body build tolerance.  

• Most effective for hay fever and insect sting allergies  
• Many people see improvement within 6–12 months 
• Effective in about two-thirds of patients  

3. Short-term relief: Medications such as antihistamines, nasal sprays and decongestants can help relieve symptoms.  

4. Anaphylaxis, adrenaline injections are required. People with severe allergies should carry adrenaline (their EpiPen) with them at all times and seek medical attention after use.