Hair strand allergy test: what to know

Allergy assessment begins with what happened, how soon symptoms appeared, the suspected trigger, how much exposure occurred and whether the reaction recurred. Skin-prick testing or an allergy blood test may be considered for a focused question. Results are interpreted alongside symptoms because a positive test can show sensitisation without proving that an exposure caused a particular reaction.

Possible allergic conditions include Allergic Rhinitis, Allergic Conjunctivitis, Asthma, Food Allergy, Pet Allergy and House Dust Mite Allergy. Chronic Sinusitis may have several causes and is not established by a hair sample.

Write down the trigger, timing, symptoms, foods or products involved, and what helped. Do not deliberately repeat a suspected food or medicine exposure to test yourself. A primary-care clinician or allergy specialist can decide whether testing is needed and explain preparation, including medicines that may interfere with skin testing. Keep prescribed rescue medication available if you have previously had a severe reaction.

Call emergency services immediately for swelling of the tongue or throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing, faintness, collapse, or rapidly spreading symptoms after an exposure. These may indicate Anaphylaxis. For recurrent nasal, eye or chest symptoms, arrange an appointment so the trigger and treatment can be assessed rather than relying on a hair-strand report.

Does my reaction pattern suggest allergy, irritation or another problem? Which validated test, if any, would answer the specific question? Should I avoid a food, medicine, pet or environmental exposure while waiting? What should I do if symptoms become severe?