Introducing the ALEX 2 Allergy Test
Overview of Allergy Diagnosis
Allergy diagnosis involves:
- Detailed history taking
- Diagnostic tests: blood, skin prick, and/or provocation tests
Blood tests are divided into:
- IgE-mediated
- Non-IgE-mediated
IgE blood tests are safe and don’t require stopping medication beforehand.
What is ALEX 2?
The Allergy Xplorer (ALEX 2) is a multiplex IgE immunoassay using a chip-based macroarray:
- Tests both whole allergen extracts and molecular components
- Measures multiple allergens simultaneously
- Cost-effective for complex cases and poly-sensitisation
- Uses CCD inhibitor to reduce false positives from cross-reactivity
Groups of Allergens Tested with ALEX 2
Inhalants
- Pollen
- House dust & storage mites
- Pets
- Farm animals
- Mould & yeast
- Cockroach
Food Allergens
Plant-based
- Nuts (e.g. cashew, Brazil, pecan)
- Legumes (e.g. peanut, soy, lentils)
- Seeds (e.g. sesame, sunflower)
- Cereals (e.g. wheat, oats, rice)
- Spices (e.g. mustard, oregano)
- Vegetables
- Fruits
Animal-based
- Milk (cow, goat, sheep, etc.)
- Eggs
- Meat
Seafood
- Cod, crab, mussel, prawn, etc.
Edible Insects
- Mealworms, crickets, locusts
Venoms
- Ant, bee, wasp
Other
- Latex
Interpretation of Results
You’ll receive a personalised, user-friendly report with:
- Individual allergy profiles
- Supporting information for clinical decisions
Conclusion
The ALEX 2 test replaces the ISAC test and enhances allergy diagnosis by:
- Improving accuracy
- Reducing costs
- Supporting better treatment decisions
📞 Contact: NRL Immunology Lab – 012 678 0613/4
🌐 Website: ampath.co.za