Allergy Testing

Allergies affect millions of people worldwide, manifesting in symptoms ranging from mild sneezing to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Proper diagnosis is key to managing allergies effectively, and that begins with accurate testing. The two most common methods are skin prick tests (SPTs) and allergy blood tests. Each has its strengths and limitations.

For more comprehensive allergy screening, your doctor may recommend allergy blood testing as a preferred first step, depending on your medical history and symptoms.

Allergy Blood Tests

This test measures the level of specific IgE antibodies in your blood in response to various allergens. It typically involves drawing a blood sample and sending it to a lab for analysis.

Pros

✔️ No risk of triggering an allergic reaction during testing.

✔️ Can be performed regardless of what medications you may currently be on.

✔️ Suitable for people with skin conditions or widespread dermatitis.

✔️ Tests for a wide range of allergens at once. You may test for allergies to inhalants, foods, and environmental triggers via a single blood sample.

✔️ A more comfortable option: Since blood tests don’t involve exposing the skin to allergens, they’re often a gentler choice—especially for kids or anyone uneasy about skin pricks.

Cons

➖ May be less sensitive for certain allergens compared to SPTs.

➖ Generally suitable for children aged 4 and above, as cooperation during blood tests is required.

Who can benefit from Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing isn’t just for people with obvious symptoms—many individuals can benefit from understanding their triggers. You might consider getting tested if you:

Experience recurring symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, rashes, or asthma flares with no clear cause.
Suffer from food sensitivities or gastrointestinal issues that could be linked to food allergies.
Have a family history of allergies or asthma, especially in children.
Live with eczema or chronic hives, which can sometimes be allergy-related.
React strongly to insect stings, pet dander, pollen, or mold.
Are unsure which substances are causing your symptoms, especially if you’ve tried over-the-counter remedies without relief.

Testing helps identify specific triggers so that a treatment plan—including avoidance strategies, medications, or allergy immunotherapy—can be tailored to your needs.

The best testing method depends on your symptoms, medical history, and current health. Sometimes, doctors will use both skin and blood tests together for a more complete picture.

If you’re unsure which route is right for you, a consultation with our doctors can help guide the decision. With the right information in hand, managing allergies becomes much more straightforward—and life gets a whole lot more comfortable.

Allergy Test Price

We currently offer a range of allergy blood tests, all of which must be accompanied by a doctor’s consultation.

Comprehensive
77 Allergen Panel

$800

53 Allergen Panel

$480

Rhinitis/Asthma (Inhalent) panel

Adult / Child

$640

Eczema Panel

$538

Egg Allergy Test

$75.60

Egg White
Allergy Test

$63.80

Egg Yolk
Allergy Test

$67.20

*All prices indicated are excluding consultation charges and GST.

References:

Allergy Facts | Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)

Skin Prick Tests | Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)

Prick, Patch or Blood Test? A Simple Guide to Allergy Testing – NCBI

Allergy Testing: Skin Prick Tests (SPTs)

While skin prick testing (SPT) is another clinically established method to evaluate allergic sensitivities, we do not perform skin prick tests in-clinic. If required, our doctors may provide a referral to an appropriate specialist for further assessment.

SPT involves placing small amounts of selected allergens on the skin, typically on the forearm or upper back, and gently pricking the surface. A positive reaction, such as a raised, red bump, may appear within 15–20 minutes, indicating potential sensitivity to the allergen tested.

Pros

✔️ Fast results, usually within minutes.

✔️ High sensitivity for immediate-type allergies (e.g., pollen, dust mites, pet dander).

Cons

➖ Cannot be done if you’re on antihistamines or certain medications. These medications will need to be stopped for at least 7 days before doing the test.

➖ Not ideal for people with chronic skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis).

➖ Slight risk of more serious allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) during testing.