Allergy testing at Skin & Aesthetic in Frankfurt
Do you often suffer from allergy symptoms that impact your quality of life? If so, we can help. Here’s a brief outline of the most common allergy tests we offer:
PRICK TEST
The prick test is carried out if a patient is suspected of being allergic to a specific substance. To carry out the test, test solutions from the most common allergy-triggering substances are applied to your lower arm. These include common types of pollen, dust mites, animal substances and mould spores. The “prick needle” is then used to lightly pierce the skin, allowing the solutions to penetrate through the first layer of skin. After 15 to 20 minutes, we can then establish the strength and scope of the reactions based on the wheal response.
INTRACUTANEOUS TEST
In this testing procedure, the test solutions are introduced into the upper layer of skin, where they trigger a reaction similar to the prick skin test.
EPICUTANEOUS PATCH TEST
The epicutaneous test is a suitable method for identifying late allergic reactions, as is the case with contact allergies. In contrast to hay fever, the immune system in these cases only reacts several hours to days later. This delayed reaction is termed a type IV allergy. Corresponding allergens are often found in cosmetics or fashion jewellery.
BLOOD TEST
The RAST test is used to establish how many allergy-triggering antibodies (IgE) are present in the blood. This method is often used alongside other testing procedures in order to establish the degree of sensitisation and allergy.
