Allergy Phadiatop-Pediatric

An allergy is a set of exaggerated responses that develop in a body due to the entry of a foreign particle with an antigen into the body. Since kids are not completely vaccinated and their immune systems are still underdeveloped, they are more vulnerable to allergies.

An allergy test includes a set of examinations to understand the reason behind the immune system’s exaggerated response through a blood test, skin prick test, and dietary intervention. Phadiatiop test is one such blood test for kids that finds the amount of IgE in the body.

Nearly 10-15% of Indians, including kids, are prone to some form of allergies. To avoid the complications of allergic reactions in kids, it is important to take a pediatric allergy test under the following circumstances:

• Lack of hygiene
• Repetitively suffering from infections
• Staying in an environment with high pollution index
• Improper lifestyle habits
• Frequent migration

A phadiatop test not only screens for the presence of allergy and its intensity but also identifies the type of allergy in kids. It is a highly sensitive enzyme-based immunological assay that can differentiate between atopic and non-atopic patients. 
Due to the sensitivity and specificity of the test, it can screen multiple allergens in a single examination.

Furthermore, the allergy test determines a specific type of IgE in the blood to identify the inhalant allergen and food allergens for kids.

The phadiatop test can screen and differentiate the allergies caused by nearly 16 different inhalant allergens. This is because the testing solution contains a balanced mixture of allergen representatives specific to the person's age and geographical location. In addition, the allergy test mixture can also detect allergies to grasses, trees, weeds, cats, dogs, and mites.

The pediatric allergy test is important to understand the immune response of the kid and prevent exaggerated reactions like: 

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Asthma (Cough or sneezing) 
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Hay fever or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis
• Headache and irritability
• Muscle pain 
• Anaphylaxis

The pediatric allergy test measures the IgE antibodies to rule out or confirm the atopic and non-atopic allergies. An atopic allergy is detected when the body produces an IgE-mediated immune response to the proteins and allergens present in the environment.

Additionally, the allergy test also identifies the allergens that provoke symptoms in the body, like asthma or rhinitis.

The primary purpose of the phadiatop test is to minimise the allergy and create a preventive protocol for the patient to avoid exaggerated reactions within the body.

As far as the procedure is concerned, it is based on the ELISA technique, which involves the multiplication of testing samples into 96 wells. This not only improves the test's specificity but also aids in correctly interpreting the allergy test results.

In the procedure, the captured antibody binds to the allergen, and the detection antibody produces colour to indicate the intensity of the reaction. 
 

Medically reviewed by Dr. S V S Sreedhar, Haematologist, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.