Are You Suitable for an Allergy Test?

You may consider undergoing allergy testing if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent nasal allergy symptoms such as runny nose or frequent sneezing
• Recurrent skin itching, hives, or eczema
• Suspected allergy to certain foods or environmental factors
• Symptoms that recur without an identifiable cause
• A desire to undergo a comprehensive allergy assessment

👉 If allergy symptoms have affected your quality of life, early identification of allergy triggers is highly recommended.

Health Gene Comprehensive Allergy IgE Test (Blood Test)

• Blood test analysing allergy-related antibodies (IgE)
• No direct exposure to allergens, ensuring a high level of safety
• Suitable for individuals seeking a comprehensive allergy assessment

What Is an Allergy?

An allergy is a condition caused by an active immune system response.
In individuals with allergic tendencies, the immune system mistakenly identifies certain substances—most commonly proteins found in food or the environment—as harmful invaders. The immune system then triggers a defensive response by releasing substances such as histamine, leading to allergic reactions. Even trace amounts of allergens may provoke symptoms.

Allergic reactions typically occur rapidly and intensely, often within seconds to two hours after exposure. Symptoms vary among individuals and may include:

• Skin redness, hives, or severe itching
• Swelling of the lips, eyelids, or face
• Respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, wheezing, throat tightness, or shortness of breath
• Gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea

In severe cases, immediate allergic reactions may result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition characterised by sudden drops in blood pressure, breathing difficulties, loss of consciousness, or shock. Without prompt medical treatment, anaphylaxis can be fatal.

The severity of allergic reactions is often not related to the amount of allergen exposure. Individuals with allergies may react strongly to extremely small quantities—for example, a person with nut allergy may experience severe reactions after consuming even trace amounts—therefore strict avoidance of allergens is essential.

Common Allergens and Triggers

Allergies may be triggered by a wide range of substances. The most common food allergens account for the majority of food allergy cases and include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Soy
• Gluten-containing grains (such as wheat)
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (e.g. almonds, cashews)
• Fish
• Shellfish

Proteins found in these foods are most likely to be recognised as targets by the immune system.

Environmental allergens are also common, particularly in Hong Kong. These include dust mites, pollen, animal dander, and mould spores, which are major contributors to allergic rhinitis (nasal allergy), asthma, and other respiratory allergic conditions.

What Are Common Allergy Symptoms?

Allergy symptoms vary from person to person and may include:

• Nasal allergy symptoms such as sneezing or runny nose
• Skin itching, hives, or eczema
• Eye itching or redness
• Wheezing or breathing discomfort
• Physical discomfort after food consumption

If such symptoms occur frequently, professional allergy testing is recommended to identify the underlying triggers.

What Types of Allergy Tests Are Available?

Common allergy testing methods include:

• Skin Prick Test

This test requires direct exposure to allergens. While results are obtained quickly, outcomes may be affected by skin conditions, and the range of testable allergens is limited.

• IgE Blood Test

This method analyses whether the blood contains allergy-related IgE antibodies specific to different allergens.
It does not require direct allergen exposure, offers a higher level of safety, and allows testing for multiple allergens at once.

👉 For individuals seeking a comprehensive allergy assessment, IgE blood testing is generally more suitable.

Booking Procedure

For more details on the program, please click check-up items.