Diagnostics

Diagnosis of allergy and immune related conditions requires a combination of a personalised clinical history with diagnostic tests selected for you. Some of the tests are:

Molecular diagnostic (microarrays)

In a single test, with a small blood sample, this technique allows us to diagnose, and predict the likelihood of severe reactions to more than 100 molecular components such as foods, pollens, house dust mites, animals, moulds, latex, etc. This test is now at the forefront of allergic diagnosis. In immunYs we have extensive experience with this innovative test. 

Specific IgE

It is a blood test that measures the levels of different IgE antibodies in a person’s blood to specific allergens. It is important to understand, -similar to skin prick testing-, these tests have  a high rate of false positive testing (no true positive) particularly with  food-specific IgE testing. The reason for this is that  pollen and certain foods  share very similar allergic proteins and our immune system mistakes them. Molecular diagnostic tests can actually differentiate between “true allergy” or “cross-reactivity”. Specific IgE tests should not be confused with IgG testing (widely available online); IgG testing has been shown to have no scientific validity with regards to diagnosis of allergies and is not recommended. 

Skin prick testing

It has been widely used in allergy. However this test is highly sensitive and this can yield both false positives and false negatives (no true positive and no true negative results). There are some occasions that skin testing are particularly helpful.

Genetic testing (cheek swab)

We identify genetic predisposition to:

o Coeliac disease
o Intolerance to lactose
o Intolerance to fructose
o DAO deficit

These tests show genetic predisposition; a diagnosis of any of these conditions is a process that requires a combination of a personalised clinical history together with investigations.

Gut barrier function and microbiome (Stool test):

Following a personalized consultation, we choose the tests/biomarkers indicated in your specific case to obtain further information regarding your gut barrier function and gut microbiome. We investigate inflammation, malabsorption, infection, maldigestion, dysbiosis and/or metabolite imbalance.