Prof. Dr. Koray HARMANCI Head of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology Department Academic Page (Please choose English from top right corner)

Pediatric Immunology and Allergy department is the branch in which diseases associated with immune deficiency are diagnosed and treated.  Our department is also concerned with diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases which has considerable importance in our lives. There are diseases based primarily on immunology and allergy. These are allergic cold, hay fever known as spring fever, allergic or nonallergic bronchial asthma, food, drug, insect allergies which are defined as atopic dermatitis, recurrent wheezing and anaphylactic shock that consists of fatally severe allergic reactions requiring urgent interventions.     

Tests 

According to the complains of our patients, physical examination is performed after detailed history. If necessary, laboratory and imaging tests are carried out. Frequently performed tests are as below;

Prick test: A drop of allergen is placed on back or inside the arm below elbow. With the aid of a metal stick, namely lancet, small marks are drawn on the skin. A frequently-used test which gives quick results (15 minutes) is one-time collective test is used to evaluate house dust mite allergens; pollens; allergens associated with pets like cats, dogs, birds; food allergens such as milk, egg, nuts, spices and various types of food.

Intradermal test: Allergies to bee sting or drugs are determined by this test.  Extremely low amount of allergen, around 0.01-0.02 ml, is injected intradermally into skin of back or arms with an insulin injector.     

Patch Test: It is used to diagnose contact dermatitis which is an allergic reaction to substances that touch the skin, presenting with dermatitis and urticaria. Allergens are placed in small chambers mounted on a taped called patch test unit which is applied on the back of patients.  2-3 days after allergens in the chambers are kept in contact with skin, the patch is removed.    

Specific IgE test: In accordance with the patient’s history specific antigen is tested in blood. Specifik IgE is not a general screening test however it is performed in particular types of allergies. 

Spirometry: It is a pulmonary function test performed with the aim of measuring lung capacity and functional conditionto evaluate diseases such as asthma that affects both heart and lung functions. Basically it measures how much breath a patient takes and how much of this breath is given out in a significant time period. 

You can reach our department via 0222 239 2979 / 2790.