Allergieschecks

Allergieschecks are a medical process used to identify and characterize suspected allergic reactions in patients. The aim is to determine whether an individual has a true allergy to a specific substance and to assess the relevance of that allergy for medical treatment, daily life, and exposure scenarios. The work is typically performed by allergists or clinicians trained in immunology and allergy testing.

Allergy evaluations cover a broad range of substances, including foods, medications, environmental allergens, insect venoms, and contact allergens. The process usually begins with a detailed medical history and a physical examination, followed by risk assessment and development of a testing plan that minimizes the risk to the patient.

Diagnostic tests used in allergieschecks include skin tests such as skin prick testing and, if needed, intradermal tests; patch testing for contact dermatitis; and blood tests that measure specific IgE antibodies. More specialized approaches include component-resolved diagnostics, elimination diets with supervised reintroduction, oral food challenges considered the gold standard for food allergy, and, in some settings, basophil activation tests. For some reactions, test results must be interpreted together with the clinical history, as sensitization does not always equate to a clinically significant allergy.

The results guide management, including avoidance strategies, prescription of alternative medications, and planning for procedures such as anesthesia or vaccination. Tests carry risks and limitations, including false positives or negatives, and require supervision by trained professionals, especially for procedures with potential anaphylaxis. Pre-test preparation and post-test counseling are important parts of the process.