Patient Pamphlets

ALEX² – Building the Allergy Puzzle

Patient Pamphlets
ALEX² – Building the Allergy Puzzle
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Are You Puzzled by Any of These Symptoms?

  • Hives, itchy skin, eczema (rash)?
  • Red, itchy, watery eyes?
  • Runny, blocked nose, sneezing?
  • Tingling, itchy mouth or lips?
  • Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or other body parts?
  • Wheezing, coughing?
  • Diarrhoea or vomiting?

You could have an underlying allergy.

What Is an Allergy?

-Allergies are chronic conditions where your immune system reacts to harmless substances (allergens) like: pollen; house dust mites, pets, insects, moulds and food

-Allergies often start in childhood but can develop at any age. You might be allergic to one or many allergens.

-Untreated allergies can lead to complications like allergic asthma or even anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.

What Is IgE?

IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody meant to fight parasites. Sometimes, your body mistakenly creates IgE for harmless allergens, causing immediate allergic reactions.

ALEX² – Building the Allergy Puzzle

ALEX² is a cutting-edge allergy test panel with nearly 300 allergens, including:

  • Pollen
  • House dust mite
  • Pets
  • Mould
  • Milk
  • Eggs
  • Peanuts & tree nuts
  • Fish & seafood

Each allergen is made of molecular components, like puzzle pieces, that help identify what exactly you are allergic to.

Advantages of ALEX²
  • Only a small blood sample needed
  • Tests many allergens at once
  • Includes key molecular allergens
  • Helps build a complete allergy profile
Puzzling Questions ALEX² Can Answer
  • Am I allergic to the dog, or is it the cat?
  • Am I only allergic to male dogs?
  • Can I tolerate bee venom through immunotherapy?
  • Should I follow a gluten-free diet?
  • Can I eat a muffin or avoid all milk products?
  • Should I replace carpets with tiles?
Predicting Risk with ALEX²

Knowing your molecular components can:

  • Predict severity of food allergies
  • Identify heat-resistant allergens
  • Help determine if cooked foods are safe (e.g., cake vs. scrambled eggs)
Solving Cross-Reactivity

Did you know your pollen allergy might cause reactions to plant-based foods?

This is called Pollen-Food Allergy Syndrome (PFAS) or Oral Allergy Syndrome. Symptoms include:

  • Itchy/swollen mouth
  • Scratchy throat
  • Stomach discomfort

ALEX² helps distinguish between true food allergies and cross-reactive components.

Finding a Long-Term Solution

‍Your healthcare provider will:

  • Make the final diagnosis
  • Discuss immunotherapy options
  • Recommend retesting if needed
Build Your Allergy Puzzle with ALEX² in 4 Steps

1️⃣ Collect a blood sample – at your doctor or nearest Ampath Care Centre
2️⃣ Lab analysis – using advanced allergy diagnostics
3️⃣ Receive your report – personalised and easy to understand
4️⃣ Doctor guidance – for accurate diagnosis and management