
Services
Skin Prick Testing (SPT)
Wadestown Allergy Clinic tests specifically for the common food and aero allergens.
(the predominant problem areas in New Zealand)
These are:
Aeroallergens
- Silver Birch
- Grasses (Ryegrass, Timothy Grass, 5 Grass Mix)
- English Plantain
- Moulds (Alternaria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Penicillimu)
- Cat dander
- Dog dander
- House dust mites (D. farinae, D. pteronyssinus)
Food allergens
- Peanut
- Fresh cow's milk
- Soy
- Wheat flour
- Shrimp
- Egg white
- Cod
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Skin prick testing is performed by dropping a small amount of the allergen on to the skin of your forearm which is then scratched into the skin. The test is not painful. The results of the test are available within 15 minutes. You will experience some itchy which settles very quickly.
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If we need to test for allergens that are not included in our either of our SPT panels, we will request a blood test.
If you take anti-histamine medication then please stop this 3 days before your appointment. Also, we ask that you don't apply creams to your forearms for 24 hours prior to the test.
Please note:
Skin prick testing is not useful for symptoms that are solely gastrointestinal (diarrhoea, bloating or irregular bowel habit) as this generally indicates a functional and not allergic condition, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS. These symptoms are best managed by a dietician or gastroenterologist. We recommend the dieticians at FoodSavvy (www.foodsavvy.co.nz).