Allergy patch testing

[ArtFine]

Hi,

Has anyone managed to get their LO tested with the allergy patch test on the NHS or even privately?

My DD has reacted negatively to skin prick tests but does appear to have a non-IgE reaction to cows milk. I wanted to get her tested via this relatively new method for egg and soya too, but the allergy clinic on the NHS doesn't do it (because apparently there isn't enough evidence - possibly because it is too expensive too?).

Hey. I have had prick and patch testing done. I have had problems with allergies over the past fews years. Mine has been done on the NHS

As a matter of interest benji69 which test did you find more accurate? Skin prick or patch? I went for patch test during year but took a very bad reaction to the it overall and the test was a write off.Am considering skin prick.Would you recommend?

Benji, were the results different?

Hey I'll answer you both. Sorry late, new to this and thought if had a reply my phone would go off! Seoda24, I've had results from prick tests but all patch tests came back fine so unsure but I think from personal experience that they are a guide and you've got to self diagnose as much as possible. If you work with the docs and if you have an idea what the problem is then steer clear of it for a couple of weeks and see if there is any change. This approach works more for me. ArtFine, I hope this answers your question too. My arm swelled up during some prick tests but all my patch testing done in London were all fine...and they were all over my back...almost 100 of them!

Have you also considered RAST/blood tests. These measure the antibodies produced in the blood to the allergen. They tend to be more accurate for dairy testing. However; the method is better with older children who are willing to provide a blood sample. I am unsure from your post how old your LO is?

Should have also said that RAST testing is available on the NHS with just cause. No allergy testing is 100% accurate because allergic reactions vary in strength from day to day. Also you can get false positives if you have never given your child a particular substance. It will treat a new substance as a 'foreigner' the first fews times it is given to a child. The best tests are through dietary elimination - and periodic testing. But this too is not without risks.

P.s if you are given the option to have the prick test I would definitely go for it. Never turn down any options on the NHS as different things will come to light and dermatologists will supply different creams etc so eventually something will help even if it does take years : )

A RAST test won't show a positive result for a non IgE allergy though??

Non IgE allergies are notoriously difficult to diagnose, and elimination and reintroduction is the only real way of telling.

Sorry OP - passed over the non IgE bit in my excitement. was speaking from my DS's point of view - he had skin prick, patch and RAST tests - on the paediatric ward at hospital (anaphylaxis). That was 9 years ago though. There is plenty of info on non Ige allergies on the internet. But stand by what I say about difficulties in diagnosis and elimination diets being best tests.

Many thanks for replies, you learn something new everyday:)good luck ArtFine with the tests

Patch test tests for common contact allergies.
Skin prick testing for other types of allergies; IgE RAST for other again.
You cannot lump them all together.

Have you had specialist advice?
Have they explained to you why they are doing what?

It is entirely possible to have an intolerance to something when not having an allergy which is an immune-mediated response. Something (like dairy or wheat for instance) not agreeing does not necessarily mean there's an allergic response.

My ds had dermal patch testing but as pp said it's for contact allergies.

Thanks everyone!

What's contact allergies?

DD has non-IgE as all skin prick tests are clear, but she definitely comes up with a rash after dairy. I'm not sure about soya, egg and wheat but we've been told to go on a 6-8 week elimination diet for all 4 and then re-introduce wheat first and see how it goes.

I suppose I was hoping that egg, soya and wheat especially could be tested via patch testing and if she didn't react then carry on giving her that. I'm worried that my LO who is now 12 months might react to the allergens more because her body isn't getting used to them ..,

Contact allergies are things like chemicals/parabens/grass/dust, that sort of thing.