Allergy Testing

Allergy testing is a vital tool for diagnosing and managing allergic reactions, which can significantly impact your quality of life. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances, leading to a range of symptoms. Allergy testing helps identify specific allergens that trigger these reactions, allowing for targeted treatment and management.

Why Perform Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing is performed for several key reasons:

  • Identifying Allergens: It helps pinpoint the exact substances causing allergic reactions, whether they are environmental, food-related, or due to other triggers.
  • Understanding Symptoms: Accurate testing can clarify the relationship between your symptoms and potential allergens, guiding effective management and avoidance strategies.
  • Developing Treatment Plans: By knowing which allergens are affecting you, we can develop a personalized treatment plan, including avoidance strategies, lifestyle changes, and possible therapies to manage and mitigate symptoms.

Common Symptoms of Allergies

Symptoms of allergies can vary widely depending on the type of allergen and the individual's response. Common symptoms include:

  • Respiratory Issues: Sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, and wheezing.
  • Digestive Problems: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
  • Skin Reactions: Rashes, hives, itching, and eczema.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Headaches and brain fog.
  • General Symptoms: Fatigue, irritability, and mood changes.

What the Allergy Tests Measure

Allergy Testing evaluates different types of immune responses and identifies specific allergens. These tests include:

IgE Testing: Measures Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which are produced in response to allergens. Elevated IgE levels indicate an immediate allergic reaction to specific foods. This test is commonly used to diagnose classic allergic reactions like hay fever or asthma. 

Foods tested - Dairy Cow's Milk Egg Egg White, Chicken Fruits Apple, Banana, Orange, Peach Vegetables Carrot, White Potato Fish/Shellfish Blue Mussel, Cod, Salmon, Shrimp, Tuna Grains/Legumes/Nuts Almond, Brazil Nut, Buckwheat, Coconut, Corn, Green Pea, Hazelnut, Oat, Peanut, Rice, Soybean, Wheat, Whole, White Bean Miscellaneous Sesame Seed

 

IgG Testing: Detects Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies, which can indicate delayed hypersensitivity or food sensitivities. Elevated IgG levels suggest that your immune system is reacting to certain foods, potentially leading to symptoms like digestive issues or chronic inflammation. This test helps identify potential food intolerances or sensitivities that may not cause immediate reactions.

Foods Tested - Dairy Casein, Cheddar Cheese, Cow's Milk, Goat's Milk, Whey Fish/Shellfish Clam, Cod, Crab, Halibut, Lobster, Salmon, Scallop, Shrimp, Sole, Trout, Tuna Grains/Legumes/Nuts Almond, Barley, Buckwheat, Chestnut, Chickpea, Coconut, Corn, Gliadin, Wheat, Gluten, Wheat, Green Bean, Green Pea, Hazelnut, Kidney Bean, Lentil, Lima Bean, Oat, Peanut, Pecan, Pinto Bean, Rye, Soybean, Spelt, Walnut, Wheat, Whole, White Rice Fruits Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blueberry, Cranberry, Grapefruit, Grape, Lemon, Olive, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Plum, Raspberry, Strawberry Meat/Poultry Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Turkey Egg Egg White, Chicken, Egg Yolk, Chicken, Egg Whole, Duck Misc/Herbs/Spices Baker's / Brewer's Yeast, Button Mushroom, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Bean (Chocolate), Coffee Bean, Flaxseed, Ginger, Honey, Oregano, Sesame Seed, Sunflower Seed Vegetables: Asparagus, Avocado, Beet, Broccoli / Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper, Lettuce, Onion, Pumpkin, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Tomato, White Potato Candida Screen: Candida Albicans

 

IgA Testing: Measures Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies, which play a crucial role in mucosal immunity, such as in the gut and respiratory tract. Elevated or reduced IgA levels can indicate issues with mucosal immunity and may be associated with conditions like chronic sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or celiac disease.

Foods Tested - Dairy Casein, Cheddar Cheese, Cow's Milk, Goat's Milk, Whey Fish/Shellfish Clam, Cod, Crab, Halibut, Lobster, Salmon, Scallop, Shrimp, Sole, Trout, Tuna Grains/Legumes/Nuts Almond, Barley, Buckwheat, Chestnut, Chickpea, Coconut, Corn, Gliadin, Wheat, Gluten, Wheat, Green Bean, Green Pea, Hazelnut, Kidney Bean, Lentil, Lima Bean, Oat, Peanut, Pecan, Pinto Bean, Rye, Soybean, Spelt, Walnut, Wheat, Whole, White Rice Fruits Apple, Apricot, Banana, Blueberry, Cranberry, Grapefruit, Grape, Lemon, Olive, Orange, Papaya, Peach, Pear, Pineapple, Plum, Raspberry, Strawberry Meat/Poultry Beef, Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Turkey Egg Egg White, Chicken, Egg Yolk, Chicken, Egg Whole, Duck Misc/Herbs/Spices Baker's / Brewer's Yeast, Button Mushroom, Cane Sugar, Cocoa Bean (Chocolate), Coffee Bean, Flaxseed, Ginger, Honey, Oregano, Sesame Seed, Sunflower Seed Vegetables: Asparagus, Avocado, Beet, Broccoli / Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Garlic, Green Bell Pepper, Lettuce, Onion, Pumpkin, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Tomato, White Potato Candida Screen: Candida Albicans

 

By performing these tests, we can provide a comprehensive understanding of your allergic reactions and sensitivities, allowing us to create a targeted plan to manage and alleviate your symptoms effectively.

 

Take the Next Step Towards Better Health

Gaining a clear understanding with an allergy profile is an essential step toward optimizing your overall well-being. Whether you're addressing specific health concerns or aiming to ensure your body functions at its best, an Allergy test provides invaluable insights to guide your health journey.

  • Order Your Test: If you'd like to begin with testing before a consultation, you can conveniently order your test first. When your test results are available, we will notify you to schedule a Test Review appointment. During this session, we will review your results together and outline the next steps for implementing your personalized health program.
  • Book a Consultation: Ready to uncover the root causes of your symptoms and embark on a personalized wellness plan? Book an appointment today! Together, we’ll create a tailored strategy to address your unique health needs and help you achieve your optimal health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA)?

HTMA is a highly reliable, standardized functional test when processed by an accredited pathology laboratory. While blood tests measure nutrients circulating in your bloodstream at a single moment, hair tissue provides a stable, 3- to 4-month average of cellular mineral storage and heavy metal accumulation. Research shows that hair tissue is an exceptional medium
for monitoring long-term mineral balances, metabolic patterns, and environmental toxic load.

Can I do an HTMA test if my hair is coloured or dyed?

Yes, you can still complete an HTMA test if you dye your hair, but a few guidelines ensure accurate results:

  • Untreated Hair is Ideal: The best sample is taken from new growth at the nape of the neck (the first 3–4 cm closest to he scalp).
  • Wait Between Treatments: We recommend waiting 6 to 8 weeks (or roughly 6–8 washings) after bleach, dye, or a perm before collecting your sample.
  • Alternative Sample Options: If your head hair is heavily bleached or chemically treated from root to tip, we can easily utilize untreated beard hair or pubic hair as an accurate alternative.

How much hair is required for the sample, and will itleave a noticeable spot?

We only need about 125 milligrams of hair, which is roughly equivalent to a heaped teaspoon. Samples are taken in tiny, thin snips from multiple discreet locations near the base of the skull at the nape of the neck. Because the cuts are small and hidden under your top layers of hair, it is completely undetectable once your hair is down.

Is HTMA testing suitable for young children or sensory-sensitive individuals?

Absolutely—HTMA is one of the most gentle, non-invasive functional tests available. Because there are no needles, blood draws, or fasting required, it is ideal for toddlers, young children, and sensory-sensitive clients.

If you visit our Kingsley, WA clinic, we can handle the sample collection quickly and gently for you. Alternatively, if you are a Telehealth client or prefer to collect the sample at home, we will send you an email with clear, step-by-step instructions.

What is the difference between a blood test and a hair mineral test?

Blood serum is tightly regulated by the body to maintain homeostatic balance (for example, keeping blood calcium levels stable to protect heart function). If tissue mineral levels drop, the body will pull calcium from bones and tissue into the blood to compensate—making blood work
appear "normal" even during cellular depletion. HTMA measures the minerals actually stored in your cells and tissues over time, revealing chronic imbalances that standard blood tests frequently miss.

How long does it take to get my HTMA results back?

Once your sample arrives at our laboratory, analysis typically takes 2 to 3 weeks. As soon as your comprehensive report is ready, our Perth clinic team will reach out to schedule your Test Review Consultation (available in-clinic in Kingsley or via Telehealth Australia-wide) to walk you through your findings and protocol step-by-step.