Nut allergies. including peanuts

Transcription

1 Nut allergies including peanuts

2 What are allergies? An allergy is an over-reaction of the body's immune system to everyday things that should not normally bother people. Allergens, the substances that cause allergies can be found in the environment - the places where we live and work - and in food. Allergies can make your life miserable however testing can help you find out just what substances trigger your symptoms. What are nut allergies? Nut allergies are one of the most common food allergies. Nut allergies can be due to either tree nuts or legumes (peanuts). The allergens or proteins in tree nuts are very different to peanuts and if you are allergic to tree nuts this does not necessarily mean you are allergic to peanuts as well. Nut allergies are most common in babies and very young children and can be a lifelong condition. Peanut allergies attract more attention because they are increasingly common, exposure is difficult to avoid and in some cases even a trace amount may cause symptoms. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Living with a nut allergy requires great compromise and vigilance in reading product labels and avoidance of allergen-containing foods. Peanuts contain many different proteins and peanut sensitivity occurs in up to 10% of children, while true peanut allergy affects 1-2% of children worldwide, though this figure may be higher in Australia. Anaphylaxis (severe allergy) occurs in around 10% of children with confirmed peanut allergy, although traditional tests (either skin or blood) only give a rough guide to this. An allergy to Arah2, a peanut protein, gives the greatest risk of being allergic and of having a severe reaction. What symptoms might you experience? Asthma, allergic rhinitis (runny nose), allergic conjunctivitis (weepy eyes), atopic dermatitis (itchy skin), urticaria (hives), upset stomach and bowel. Anaphylaxis is a less common but far more serious reaction that affects the whole body. It can be life-threatening, and requires urgent medical treatment.

3 What tests are available? RAST (Radioallergosorbent test) RAST is a way of testing your blood to confirm what you may be allergic to by looking for antibodies to specific substances. Your doctor will take a detailed clinical history regarding your allergic reactions and exposure to various substances, RAST test is a simple blood test and no other preparation is required. The blood is collected into a single tube and sent to the laboratory for testing. Unfortunately in allergy, no test is 100% accurate, though progress is being made. It is imperative that all results are discussed with your doctor using your clinical history to determine next steps. Sulivan Nicolaides Pathology now offers a new extended RAST nut allergy panel which includes both tree nuts and peanuts. Please refer to the table below for information on the panel. Extended RAST Nut Allergy Panel Almond Macadamia Pine nut Brazil Peanut Sesame seed Cashew Peanut (Ara-h2) Walnut Hazelnut Pecan Peanut Allergy Risk Assessment Ara-h2 is a protein which is associated with anaphylaxis. Measuring Ara-h2 provides your doctor with information regarding anaphylaxis and the results can be used for monitoring purposes. The Peanut Allergy Risk Assessment can be ordered separately. Peanut Allergy Risk Assessment Ara-h2 Peanut How can I have nut allergy testing performed? Pathology is a medical specialty, so your doctor will need to complete a pathology request form to refer you for nut allergy testing including peanuts. Where can I have my blood test collected? Blood collections for nut allergies including the Peanut Allergy Risk Assessment are performed at our collection centres. No appointment is required. For a full list of our collection centres, visit

4 How much does nut allergy testing cost? The extended RAST nut allergy panel cannot be bulk billed and a complex test fee applies. All patients will receive an account with an out-of-pocket cost of $120 after claiming the Medicare rebate. The cost of the Peanut Allergy Risk Assessment is $60. How do I claim the Medicare rebate? Your Medicare rebate is the subsidy provided by the Australian government for services that are included in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). When the account is paid you can submit the receipt to Medicare to claim your rebate if available. When any of your tests are not covered in the MBS you will not receive a rebate. You will need to pay for these tests in full. For more information about personal and test eligibility visit the Medicare Australia website Enter the item numbers from your invoice to search for a description of the services provided. Alternatively, contact Medicare on Your Pathologist - Dr Carl Kennedy MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA At centr SNP, allergy testing is performed by a skilled and experienced team of scientists and pathologists. Dr Kennedy graduated from the University of Queensland and trained in clinical immunology and allergy at the Royal Brisbane Hospital and Princess Alexandra Hospital. Dr Kennedy works both in laboratory and clinical practice in allergy and immunology. He actively participates in the education of practitioners in allergy management and diagnosis. Carl works in Brisbane and Toowoomba and sees both children and adults. Dr Kennedy has a special interest in improving the awareness of allergy in the general community and the facilitation of correct management and identification of allergy. Dr Carl Kennedy

5 Allergies are very common in Australia and they are on the increase in both adults and children. About one in three people will be affected at some time in their lives. Extended nut allergy testing is now available Details correct at the time of printing. May be subject to change without notice September 2018

6 How do I pay my account? Australia Post Office Pay your account and the receipt you receive can be used to claim your Medicare rebate. BPay Internet Banking Refer to your invoice for biller and reference numbers. Your receipt will be mailed to you to claim your Medicare rebate. Online: Credit Card Your receipt will be mailed to you to claim your Medicare rebate. Phone: Credit Card Phone facility 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Your receipt will be mailed to you to claim your Medicare rebate. Account enquiries If you need assistance please contact our Patient Services Support Team on Monday Friday 8am 5pm. SNP Collection Centres Locator App now available for iphone and ipad and Android DISCLAIMER The images used in this brochure are for illustrative purposes only. They are from stock libraries and the people portrayed in them are models. In no way is it suggested that these people have health problems. SULLIVAN NICOLAIDES PTY LTD ABN A subsidiary of Sonic Healthcare Limited ABN HURWORTH STREET BOWEN HILLS QLD 4006 AUSTRALIA TEL (07) FAX (07) P O BOX 2014 FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD 4006 AUSTRALIA Details correct at the time of printing. May be subject to change without notice. September 2018 Meridio / Item September 2018