What is allergy testing?
What are the reasons for doing allergy testing?
There are several triggers that may cause asthma attacks in people with the conditions. These triggers can be relatively common things around the house, so it can sometimes be difficult to determine the cause. In these cases, allergy testing provides a comprehensive means for determining the allergen.
Another case is following an anaphylactic reaction, which is a medical emergency, as it can be life-threatening. A patient may have eaten or been exposed to something unknown, which elicited a severe allergic reaction. After treatment, it is pertinent to determine the allergen, which is where allergy testing comes in.
Which substances can comprehensive allergy testing detect reactions to?
There are a lot of common allergens that people have reactions to. For this reason, they are typically included in most comprehensive allergy testing procedures. These include the following:
- Latex
- Insect stings
- Pollen
- Dander
- Mold
There are also many food substances that are tested for, including:
- Peanuts
- Shellfish
- Wheat
- Fish
- Milk
- Soy
- Other nuts
How much does comprehensive allergy testing cost?
The cost of an allergy test depends on whether the patient is getting a blood test or a skin test. A skin test will usually cost anywhere between $50 to $300, making it the more affordable option.
However, a blood test is several times more expensive, typically starting around a few hundred dollars and extending as high as $1,000.
Most insurance companies will cover allergy testing, so the patient typically does not need to take the entire burden of the cost.
Should I get allergy testing?
If you notice that you frequently contend with allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, or itchy eyes, you are a good candidate for allergy testing. Other symptoms that may be noticed include a sore throat, headache, and nasal congestion.
Suspected allergic reactions on the skin to unknown substances can also warrant allergy testing being done.
Can children get allergy testing done?
Allergy testing is available to both children and adults. There’s no harm posed to children, especially when the testing is performed by a professional.
What to avoid before getting allergy testing done?
Before undergoing an allergy test, it is important for a patient to avoid any medications that may alter the results that the test produces. The medications to stop before testing include:
- Antihistaminese.g. diphenhydramine
- Benzodiazepines e.g. diazepam, lorazepam
- Corticosteroids
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Vitamin C
- Analgesics like Tylenol PM and Advil PM
It is important to provide a complete medication history to your healthcare professional when asked.
What happens during allergy testing?
A skin allergy test can be done in multiple ways, though the concept is the same with all of them. An allergen will be immersed in liquid and that liquid will either be scratched or pricked on the skin. The doctor will then check to see the reaction had at the site of the prick or scratch.
A patch test is another form of skin test. Sticky patches with the allergens loaded on them will be placed on the skin and left there for a few days to monitor the reaction of the skin to them. This is usually used in cases of contact dermatitis.
A blood test is used in cases where a skin test will not suffice. A blood sample will be taken and tested for antibodies to certain allergens. This test is more expensive than a skin test, however.
What is allergy care?
Allergy care involves the treatment of allergy symptoms using methods such as over-the-counter(OTC) medication and immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots.
OTC medication and prescription medication help take care of the symptoms of allergies. These include drugs like antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids.
The aim of allergy shots is to reduce the intensity of allergic reactions in the future and help the body build a partial tolerance to them. They don’t serve as a cure, but they can greatly improve symptoms when the allergen is encountered again.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which form of allergy care is best for you.
What are some other good resources on comprehensive allergy testing and care?
If you’re looking to learn more about comprehensive allergy testing and care, there are some great online resources. They include the following:
