Persistent sneezing, itchy eyes, unexplained skin reactions or discomfort after certain meals - allergies manifest themselves in a thousand ways. Yet a surprising number of Quebecers live with these symptoms without ever having received a precise diagnosis. Without a diagnosis, effective treatment is impossible.
Between 20 and 30 % of the Canadian population suffer from some form of allergy, and according to recent data, one in thirteen Canadians has a significant food allergy. Clinique Omicron offers allergological screening tests at many of its points of service, enabling fast, reliable diagnosis without long waiting times.
Who can benefit from allergy testing?
Allergy tests are indicated for anyone with recurring symptoms that are difficult to explain: skin reactions (hives, eczema), respiratory symptoms (rhinitis, asthma), digestive problems after certain foods, or frequent eye reactions. They are suitable for both adults and children.
Early detection is particularly important in children, as an undiagnosed allergy can develop into a chronic disease that is more difficult to treat. The earlier an allergy is identified, the more effective the treatment options - including immunotherapy, which can gradually desensitize the immune system.
It's important to note that an allergy diagnosis should always be made by a specialized healthcare professional. The test itself is an evaluation tool, not a final diagnostic conclusion.
ImmunoCAP™ technology: precise, fast, reliable
Allergy tests available at Clinique Omicron are based on ImmunoCAP™ technology, an international reference method for measuring specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in blood. IgE antibodies play a central role in allergic reactions: when present in abnormally high quantities in the blood, they signal that the immune system is reacting to one or more particular allergens.
The concrete benefits of this method
ImmunoCAP™ technology offers several important clinical advantages. Firstly, it quantifies the degree of sensitization to each allergen, which is useful not only at the time of diagnosis, but also for monitoring the evolution of allergy over time and evaluating the efficacy of an ongoing immunotherapy treatment.
Secondly, these tests are carried out in the laboratory (in vitro), which means that the results are not affected by the condition of the patient's skin, the use of certain medications such as antihistamines, or the administration technique - unlike skin tests, which can vary according to these factors. The reliability of results is therefore more consistent.
Finally, the platform allows you to test over 650 different allergens, covering both food allergens (peanuts, nuts, seafood, gluten, dairy products, etc.) and environmental allergens (pollens, dust mites, molds, animal hair). There are no limitations in the choice of allergens to be tested.
How does an allergy test at Clinique Omicron work?
The process is simple and accessible. A medical prescription is required to access allergy testing - your family doctor, a physician at one of our Quebec branches or a specialist can provide it. Once the prescription is in hand, an appointment can usually be arranged within 24 to 48 hours.
The blood sample is taken at one of our points of service. Results are available within 12 working days, and can be consulted securely online. Follow-up with your doctor or an allergy specialist will then allow us to interpret the results and define the appropriate treatment plan.
What types of allergy can you test for?
The ImmunoCAP™ platform covers a very broad spectrum of allergens. On the food side, tests can detect sensitizations to peanuts and nuts, seafood and fish, dairy and eggs, gluten and cereals, as well as legumes and many fruits and vegetables. On the environmental side, testable allergens include tree, grass and herb pollens, dust mites, molds, cat, dog and other animal hair, as well as insect venoms.
This flexibility makes it possible to tailor the panel of tests precisely to the symptoms described by the patient and the clinical suspicions of the prescribing physician, without having to pay for irrelevant tests.
Frequently asked questions about allergy tests
Should I stop taking my antihistamines before the test?
Unlike skin tests, ImmunoCAP™ blood tests do not require antihistamines or other medications to be stopped before sampling. This is one of the distinctive advantages of this method. However, confirm with your doctor if in doubt.
Does a positive result mean I'm allergic?
Not necessarily. The presence of specific IgE indicates sensitization to an allergen, but only a specialized physician can confirm the diagnosis of allergy by cross-referencing this result with your clinical symptoms, medical history and, if necessary, other complementary tests such as skin tests.
Can a child be tested?
Yes. ImmunoCAP™ tests can be performed at any age. Early detection in children is even particularly recommended, as it enables management - including immunotherapy - to be initiated quickly before the allergy worsens or generates respiratory complications.
Don't remain unresponsive to your symptoms
Undiagnosed allergies can significantly affect quality of life and, in some cases, develop into serious complications. A screening test can identify the precise causes of your reactions and open the door to targeted, effective treatments. The Clinique Omicron team is available to guide and support you in this process.
Omicron Clinic
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Treatment within 24-48 hours. In-clinic or telemedicine, anywhere in Quebec.
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