PATHOLOGY SOLUTIONS ARE IN OUR DNA
(Ampath Diagnostic Guide)
Are You Puzzled by Any of These Symptoms?
- Hives, itchy skin, or eczema (rash)?
- Red, itchy, watery eyes?
- Runny or blocked nose, sneezing?
- Tingling or itchy mouth or lips?
- Swelling of lips, face, tongue, or other body parts?
- Wheezing or coughing?
- Diarrhoea or vomiting?
👉 You could have an underlying allergy.
What is an Allergy?
An allergy is a chronic immune condition where the body reacts to harmless substances (allergens) as if they were harmful.
Common allergens include:
- Pollen
- House dust mites
- Pets
- Insects
- Moulds
- Foods
Allergies often begin in childhood but can develop at any age. You may be allergic to one or many allergens. If left untreated, allergies may lead to complications such as allergic asthma or anaphylaxis (a life-threatening reaction).
Early diagnosis and treatment can:
- Improve your quality of life
- Prevent complications
- Reduce the risk of developing new allergies
What is IgE?
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is a type of antibody meant to fight parasites. Sometimes, it mistakenly targets harmless allergens, triggering immediate allergic reactions.
How Can ALEX² Help?
ALEX² is a cutting-edge comprehensive allergy test that detects IgE antibodies against nearly 300 allergens, including:
- Inhalants (e.g. pollen, dust mites, pets)
- Foods
- Insect venoms
It tests molecular components of allergens—the puzzle pieces—helping uncover the exact cause of symptoms, guide management, and support decisions around:
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy
- Cross-reactivity
- Risk severity
- Dietary restrictions
Advantages of ALEX²
- Only a small blood sample required
- Tests for many allergens simultaneously
- Includes molecular components for:
- Improved diagnosis
- Risk prediction
- Better treatment decisions
Questions ALEX² Can Help Answer
- Am I allergic to dogs, or is it the cat?
- Am I only allergic to male dogs?
- Can I undergo immunotherapy to tolerate bee venom and avoid lifelong Epipen use?
- Should I follow a gluten-free diet?
- Can I eat a muffin if I’m allergic to milk?
- Do I need to replace carpets with tiles?
…and much more.
Predicting Allergy Risk
Some allergen components are heat-stable, while others are destroyed by cooking.
Example:
- You may not tolerate scrambled eggs but can eat cake safely.
ALEX² helps determine:
- Severity of your allergy
- Whether it can be outgrown
Solving Cross-Reactivity
Did you know that a pollen allergy may cause reactions to plant-based foods?
This is known as:
- Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS)
- Also called Oral Allergy Syndrome
You might experience:
- Itchy/swollen mouth
- Scratchy throat
- Stomach discomfort
These shared components may yield positive food allergy tests, even without true food allergy. ALEX² helps clarify such results.
Finding a Long-Term Solution
Your doctor should interpret the results and guide treatment.
Options include:
- Allergen-specific immunotherapy
- Avoidance strategies
- Re-testing in children or evolving cases
Steps to Build Your Allergy Puzzle with ALEX²
- Blood sample collected by your doctor or at an Ampath care centre
- Sample is tested using advanced laboratory technology
- You receive a detailed, personalised report
- Your doctor uses this information to:
- Diagnose your allergy
- Guide management and treatment
📱 Get Your Results on the Ampath App
Download via: onelink.to/ampath
Note: Some results will only appear in the app after your doctor has explained them.