Allergy Testing

Canadian Allergy Statistic

The Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation estimates that 35-40% of Canadians have allergic diseases (such as, Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, Allergic Dermatitis etc…..)

Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common causes of emergency department visits in Canada and is a leading cause of school and work absenteeism. It is generally estimated that in Canada 12% of children and 8% of adults have asthma, which is approximately 2.5 million Canadians. (Statistics Canada, National Population Health Survey 1998-1999. Ottawa 2000).

The allergy test

The allergy test is done to screen for an allergy (a type I hypersensitivity) to a specific substance or substances when a patient presents with acute or chronic allergy-like symptoms. Our Allergy Test allows us to quantitatively identify an individual’s allergic reaction to a specific range of the most common allergens, covering about 90% of all human allergic reactions.

The importance of identifying specific allergens when possible is illustrated by the little known house dust mite. An 8 legged microscopic creature, present by the millions in all our homes, besides being a primary allergen, may be a factor in 50-80% of asthmatic conditions. A typical mattress will contain up to 10 million dust mites. Identifying this specific allergen would allow an individual to mitigate causative factors in a non-pharmaceutical manner

Allergens Tested at DNA Testing Centers of Canada
Pollens     Foods
• Timothy Grass
• Bermuda Grass
• Mountain Cedar (Juniper)
• Short Ragweed
• Milk
• Egg White
• Wheat
Mold     Other
• Alternaria
• Cat
• House Dust Mite
*Represents approximately 90% of all common human allergies

Sample Collection Procedure

The sample collection is easy to perform in the privacy of our clinic, and the Allergen test contains detailed instructions. Using our painless lancet, your finger tip is pricked, and a few drops of blood collected into the mini-container. The sample is sent by us to our high- tech scientific laboratory, and your results are available in 10-14 days.