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How much do Allergy tests cost?

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  • 18-09-2009 7:17pm
    #1
    eskimo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 682 ✭✭✭


    I honest to God could not figure out which forum I should post this in... so apologies if this is the wrong one.

    Does anybody know how much Allergy tests cost? I want to get a full and thorough set of tests done. I've already been to my GP and my ENT specialist, and the next step is a full allergy test.

    Thanks.


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    #2
    peepeep
    Closed Accounts Posts: 150 ✭✭peepeep


    haven't you tried googling this?

    www.allergy.ie


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    #3
    eskimo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 682 ✭✭✭eskimo


    peepeep wrote: »
    haven't you tried googling this?

    www.allergy.ie

    Of course. I'm looking for the cost though, which I can't find online.


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    #4
    LegacyUser
    Registered Users Posts: 166,026 ✭✭✭✭LegacyUser


    All pathology tests , ordered by your GP/Specialist are free. Your GP or ENT surgeon could have ordered the relevent blood tests. In some cases skin prick tests are more useful. These are usually done by Immunologist although other medical specialists might also do them.

    As you are asking this after already seeing GP and ENT specialist I can only assume that they do not consider the tests relevent. If that is the case I wonder why you want the tests. Without careful clinical history and evidence of underlying allergic condition the tests are not generally considered useful.


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    #5
    Xiney
    Registered Users Posts: 8,085 ✭✭✭Xiney


    I don't think that is the case - STI tests are pathology tests and doctors charge for them.

    OP, best to just ring up your GP and ask I reckon.


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    #6
    eskimo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 682 ✭✭✭eskimo


    free agent wrote: »
    All pathology tests , ordered by your GP/Specialist are free. Your GP or ENT surgeon could have ordered the relevent blood tests. In some cases skin prick tests are more useful. These are usually done by Immunologist although other medical specialists might also do them.

    As you are asking this after already seeing GP and ENT specialist I can only assume that they do not consider the tests relevent. If that is the case I wonder why you want the tests. Without careful clinical history and evidence of underlying allergic condition the tests are not generally considered useful.

    Thanks for all your info there.

    The situation is that it is about 6 months since I spoke with my ENT and my GP. I was told that if this particular health issue got worse, that allergy tests would more than likely be required, but until then I was just to try to medication they'd prescribed me. And it has got worse, so I now know that the tests will be required.


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    #7
    Nevyn
    Closed Accounts Posts: 43,045 ✭✭✭✭Nevyn


    It will depend on where your gp will refer you do and they type of tests.
    I had the 'scratch test' done 14 years ago and while it was pricey at the time the information I got has been invaluable.


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    #8
    _Whimsical_
    Registered Users Posts: 7,955 ✭✭✭_Whimsical_


    <post edited as recommending specific docs is against the charter. Sorry>


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    #9
    eskimo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 682 ✭✭✭eskimo


    chilly wrote: »
    <post edited as recommending specific docs is against the charter. Sorry>

    Haha. Thanks anyway chilly ;)

    If it's meant to be I'll just guess who you recommended.


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    #10
    DrIndy
    Registered Users Posts: 3,461 ✭✭✭DrIndy


    discussions by PM can be done, but we cannot have public recommendations or the reverse on this forum.


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    #11
    aidan.connolly
    Registered Users Posts: 250 ✭✭aidan.connolly


    Hi,

    My only reccomendation is to get it done professionaly. It may cost more, but it is worth it.

    I see it advertised in health shops, but they have not any back up medical support if the reaction is severe.

    Aidan


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    #12
    eskimo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 682 ✭✭✭eskimo


    Hey guys, I have another question....

    I was at my GP last week and he prescribed me antibiotics and anti-inflammatories to clear up an apparent sinus infection. He said to come back for allergy tests once I have finished the medication (but to wait four days so the meds have left my immune system.)

    My question is, should I simply go the allergy specialist at my GP's centre to have these tests done? Or is there such a thing as a special allergy clinic, and would that be more reliable?

    I'm just wary of forking out loads of money for more tests. I've spent hundreds if not thousands on GP visits and specialists and various tests and medication over the past couple of years. I really want to make sure I have properly researched my options as I continue to spend and spend to reach the bottom of this problem!

    Thanks!


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    #13
    enda1
    Registered Users Posts: 5,166 ✭✭✭enda1


    Why is it that when searching for allergy info, all that can be found is holistic and spiritual clap-trap!?

    Even the website above is a doctor going on about acupuncture.

    Is there no conventional medical approach to the subject? Or does it just lend itself to the misleading/easily misled?


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    #14
    eskimo
    Closed Accounts Posts: 682 ✭✭✭eskimo


    enda1 wrote: »
    Why is it that when searching for allergy info, all that can be found is holistic and spiritual clap-trap!?

    Even the website above is a doctor going on about acupuncture.

    Is there no conventional medical approach to the subject? Or does it just lend itself to the misleading/easily misled?

    What are you talking about? If you're allergic to something, then you avoid it. There's no other "approach" to it.

    If you were, however, referring to the conventional medical approach to allergy testing then that website does indeed state the conventional medical approach:

    "Skin prick testing is used at the Clinic for common inhalants and foods. This involves a small drop of the Allergen being scratched on the arm. Reactions are read after 15-20 minutes. In the last 20 years many tests have been offered including Vega, Kinesiology and many forms of blood tests. However, unfortunately, they have not proved to be consistently reproducible and give many false positive and false negative results. I believe that proper allergy management requires a detailed questionnaire, allergy testing and evaluation of response to treatment."


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