Allergy testing is a crucial step in identifying the allergens your body reacts to and providing appropriate treatment. But how does allergy testing work? In this article, we discuss the main types of allergy tests and the testing process.
How Does Allergy Testing Work?
An allergy is an immune system response to typically harmless substances because these substances are perceived as dangerous and harmful by your body. As a result, the immune system produces antibodies called IgE and releases histamine.
People can be allergic to a variety of environmental triggers, such as mold, dust, pollen, animal dander and saliva, fruits, nuts, insect bites, and even latex. Often, it is hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the allergic reaction without a test conducted in a controlled setting.
We recommend seeking professional allergy testing if you experience symptoms like:
- Sneezing, congestion, or itchy eyes
- Skin rashes or hives
- Asthma flare-ups
- Digestive problems after eating certain foods
- Severe reactions such as anaphylaxis
Allergy testing works by exposing your body to a small dose of an allergen and measuring your immune response to identify which particular allergen causes the reaction.
The Main Types of Allergy Tests
The type of allergy test your doctor will choose can depend on your symptoms, age, and medical history. The main types of allergy tests include:
Skin Prick Test
A skin prick test is the most common and quick method of allergy testing. During the test, drops of suspected allergens (pollen, foods, pet dander, etc.) are applied to your skin (usually the forearm or back), and then the skin is pricked to allow the allergen to reach the skin’s surface. The results are typically checked in 15 minutes, with a raised, red, itchy bump identifying an allergic reaction.
This test is typically not suitable for people with severe skin conditions.
Intradermal Skin Test
Intradermal skin test is typically used when the results of a skin prick test are unclear, especially for insect venom allergies and medication allergies. During an intradermal skin test, a small amount of allergen is injected just under the skin. Then, the results are usually checked in 15 to 20 minutes after the injection.
Blood Test for a Specific IgE
During a blood test, your blood is taken for an analysis to measure IgE antibodies specific to allergens. A blood test can be performed if a skin test is unavailable, the patient has severe allergic reactions, or cannot stop taking antihistamines. However, in some cases, this test can be less accurate than the skin test and is also more expensive.
Patch Testing
During a patch test, allergens are applied to patches placed on your back. Then you proceed to wear the patches for the next 48 hours. Subsequently, your doctor checks your skin reaction after the first 48 hours and again after 72–96 hours to determine whether an allergic reaction occurs.
Elimination & Food Challenge Tests
Elimination tests work by first excluding the foods that might cause allergies from your diet for a substantial period of time (typically, several weeks) and then reintroducing one type of these foods at a time to see if the reaction reoccurs.
An oral food challenge (OFC) works by the patient consuming a small amount of potentially allergenic food under medical supervision to definitively confirm or rule out an allergy.
Get Allergy Testing and Treatment at West Texas Health
If you experience allergies, do not hesitate to make an appointment at the West Texas health care center. Our specialists will select the most appropriate testing method to accurately identify your allergens and provide a treatment plan. We are looking forward to your visit.
