If an allergy is suspected, it is important to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an allergy or another type of illness. Read more about our allergy test packages.
Previously, it was believed that avoiding food and other exposure agents that cause allergy is necessary in order to reduce the prevalence of allergies. Patients were given recommendations to avoid certain items and lists of prohibited items just in case. However, these actions did not reduce the prevalence of allergies. Instead, suspicions of allergies became more common and more appointments related to them were made.
Now, thanks to new laboratory tests, allergies can be verified or ruled out more accurately and reactions that are likely to be severe can be distinguished from harmless reactions. Accurate tests that indicate allergic sensitisation and new component testing methods, in particular, help select the best modes of treatment, eliminating the need for any lists of items to be avoided or prohibited.
How and why are allergies tested?
If an allergy is suspected, it is important to determine whether the symptoms are caused by an allergy or another type of illness. Most people with allergies are sensitive to more than one allergen, and in such cases, it is important to determine which allergens are the most significant in terms of their symptoms and their effect on quality of life. The more accurate the information about the allergen is, the easier it is to avoid exposure. This also makes it easier and more effective to treat the symptoms.
What is component testing?
An extensive basic screening and differentiation analysis covers the screening of allergens and the differentiation of individual components, if the group screening yields a positive result. Component testing is a more advanced form of testing for allergies than traditional modes of testing, such as the prick test or the measurement of IgE antibody levels. Allergic symptoms are not caused by a whole peanut, for example, the problem sources from one or more individual proteins contained in the peanut. Component testing allows for analysing the risk of severe allergic reactions more accurately than before as certain components indicate the risk of life-threatening reactions. Cross-reactions can also be distinguished from clinically significant allergies. For example, people with an allergy to birch tree pollen are often afraid, unnecessarily so, that they are allergic to peanuts, even if the symptoms are just a result of cross-reactivity in a skin prick test, for instance.
Basic allergy test packages
- The nut screening and components test panel includes an analysis of the IgE antibodies for five varieties of nuts, including peanut, hazelnut, walnut, Brazil nut and cashew.
- The food differentiation and component test panel includes the IgE antibodies for the most common allergens that cause food allergies (egg white, dairy, wheat, cod, soya and peanut).
- The more extensive basic screening and differentiation allergy test panel includes the basic screening and differentiation of the dust and food categories. The dust screening panel includes tests for birch, timothy grass, mugwort, cat, dog, horse, outdoor mould and dust mite. The food screening panel includes tests for egg white, dairy products, wheat, cod, soya and peanut.
If high levels are detected in a screening test, an additional component test is performed in order to determine the allergenic components of each substance tested.
Prices of allergy tests
Visit the laboratory test price list page for the prices of allergy tests.
The prices include:
- Collection and analysis of blood samples at your preferred Mehiläinen location
- Delivery of results
Please notice that only tests and examinations performed upon a referral issued by a doctor are eligible for the Kela reimbursement. Any possible medical expense insurances do not typically cover any tests and examinations performed without a referral.
Preparing for an allergy test
Allergy tests do not require any special arrangements such as fasting. The use of any possible allergy medications does not affect the results. You can book an appointment at any Mehiläinen laboratory online or visit one of the clinics without an appointment during opening hours.
Allergy test services are available without a referral. Please note that if you do not have a doctor’s referral for laboratory tests:
- the expenses are not eligible for Kela reimbursement
- any possible medical expense insurances do not typically cover the costs of the tests
- you need to state which tests you want to be performed as the sampler is unable to determine which tests are required
- you are not provided with a physician’s report of the results
How can I view the results?
The results of laboratory tests are stored in OmaMehiläinen, where you can browse them whenever you like. You can access the OmaMehiläinen service on your phone or computer by downloading the OmaMehiläinen application from the App Store or Google Play or visiting the online version of the service.
Download the OmaMehiläinen mobile application for iPhone
Download the OmaMehiläinen mobile application for Android devices
Even though the results of the tests are available in OmaMehiläinen, we recommend that you discuss the results of the allergy tests with your doctor. The doctor will provide you with a professional’s interpretation of the results and further instructions. You can consult your personal doctor or a Digital Clinic general practitioner about the test results. The Digital Clinic fee is EUR 39.90. If you have been issued a doctor’s referral to the tests, you should contact your attending physician to obtain further instructions and find out how the results are provided.