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Diagnosis & Specialist Care of Allergy & Clinical Immunology - Since 1982
About the Allergy Explorer Testing (ALEX)
The Allergy Explorer (ALEX) test represents the cutting edge in allergy diagnostics, offering a comprehensive analysis of your body’s sensitivities to a wide array of allergens. This blood test covers 295 different allergens, making it the most extensive specific IgE blood test currently available.
What Does the ALEX Test Involve?
The ALEX test is designed to assess IgE-mediated allergies, which are the most common type of allergic reactions. It measures the concentration of IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies in your blood in relation to specific allergens. High levels of these antibodies indicate a higher sensitivity and risk of an allergic reaction.
Comprehensive Allergen Coverage
With the ALEX test, you get a 360-degree view of your allergic sensitivities. The test examines:
Environmental Allergens:
Grass, Tree & Weed Pollen
Insect Venoms
Pet and Animal Dander
Fungal Spores (mould) and Yeast
House Dust & Storage Mites and Cockroaches
Latex
Food Allergens:
Nuts & Seeds
Legumes
Fish, Seafood & Meat
Milk & Eggs
Grains & Spices​
Fruits & Vegatables
This wide-ranging test covers 117 allergen extracts and 178 allergen components, ensuring that all the common allergens are explored. It effectively covers 99% of routine allergy tests, offering a thorough and reliable overview.
See an example report HERE.
Molecular Component Analysis
One of the key strengths of the ALEX test is its ability to analyse allergens at a molecular level as well as looking at allergen extracts (the whole allergen). The ALEX test can identify sensitivity to an allergen, for example a peanut, and it can also identify specific proteins within the peanut that may be causing the reaction. This level of detail helps in:
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Estimating Reaction Severity: Understanding the specific proteins involved can help estimate how severe an allergic reaction might be.
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Identifying Cross-Reactions: By understanding which protein the body is sensitised, a doctor can determine whether than protein has any cross-reactivity with other substances. For example, the proteins arginine kinase and tropomyosin present in house dust mites, can cross-react and may also be responsible for a prawn allergy.
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Managing Food Allergies: The test can distinguish between a direct food allergy and a pollen-related food allergy, which is often less severe.
When Is the ALEX Test Useful?
The ALEX test is particularly valuable in situations where:
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The Triggering Allergen Is Unknown: If you’ve experienced an allergic reaction following a meal, but aren’t sure what caused it, the ALEX test’s broad scope can help identify which of the components of the meal was responsible – or perhaps whether is was due to cross-contamination of an ingredient that was not consciously present.
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Multiple Allergies: If you have a known allergy, for example peanuts, and want to check which other allergens may also trigger a reaction.
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Extensive Testing Needed: Skin prick tests are limited to 10-15 allergens at a time, and specific IgE tests on an individual allergen basis can become expensive. The ALEX test allows for extensive testing at a cost-effective price.
Easy and Convenient Testing
The ALEX test is not only comprehensive but also convenient. It requires only a small blood sample, which can be collected at home using a simple fingerprick. The sample is then sent to the laboratory, with results typically available within 1-2 working days.
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No Need to Stop Antihistamines: Unlike skin prick tests, you can continue taking antihistamines without affecting the results.
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Suitable for Most People: The test is suitable for anyone over the age of 18 months.
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Timing Matters: The test should not be taken less than 4-6 weeks after an allergic reaction to avoid the risk of a false negative result.
Interpreting Your Results
The results from the ALEX test come in the form of a detailed report, providing insights into your sensitisation to various allergens. However, it’s important to remember that a diagnosis should not be made based on these results alone. A doctor with the relevant expertise should review the results in conjunction with your clinical history to make an accurate diagnosis.
The Allergy Explorer (ALEX) test is a state-of-the-art tool for those seeking a thorough and reliable allergy assessment. Whether you’re dealing with known allergies or trying to pinpoint unknown triggers, the ALEX test offers an unmatched level of detail and accuracy, helping you and your doctor manage your allergies effectively.
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