Allergy Testing & Diagnosis
Understanding the various methods used to diagnose allergies can help you prepare for your testing appointment and know what to expect.
Why Allergy Testing Matters
Proper allergy testing is essential for effective allergy management. Knowing exactly what triggers your allergic reactions allows you to:
- •Avoid specific allergens that cause your symptoms
- •Develop a targeted treatment plan with your healthcare provider
- •Distinguish between allergies and other conditions with similar symptoms
- •Determine if you're a candidate for specific treatments like immunotherapy
- •Prepare for potential emergency situations by knowing your triggers
Common Allergy Testing Methods
Skin Prick Test
A small amount of suspected allergen is pricked into the skin, usually on the forearm or back. If you're allergic, you'll develop a raised bump (wheal) at the test location.
Advantages
- •Quick results (typically within 15-20 minutes)
- •Tests for multiple allergens at once
- •Generally safe and minimally invasive
Considerations
- •Must temporarily stop taking antihistamines before the test
- •Cannot be performed on people with severe skin conditions
- •May cause mild discomfort
Blood Test (Specific IgE)
A blood sample is taken and tested for the presence of antibodies to specific allergens. The most common type is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, or ImmunoCAP).
Advantages
- •No direct exposure to allergens during testing
- •No need to stop antihistamine medications
- •Good option for people with skin conditions
Considerations
- •Results take longer (days to a week)
- •May be less sensitive than skin tests
- •Usually more expensive than skin tests
Patch Test
Used primarily for contact dermatitis. Patches containing suspected allergens are applied to the skin (usually back) and left for 48 hours, then checked for reactions.
Advantages
- •Best method for identifying contact allergens
- •Can test for allergens that cause delayed reactions
- •Useful for skin conditions like eczema
Considerations
- •Requires multiple visits (initial application and follow-up readings)
- •Patches must remain dry during testing period
- •Results can sometimes be difficult to interpret
Elimination Diet
Suspected food allergens are removed from the diet for a period of time, then gradually reintroduced one at a time while monitoring for symptoms.
Advantages
- •Helps identify food sensitivities that might not show up on other tests
- •No medical risks like those associated with challenge tests
- •Can be done at home (under medical supervision)
Considerations
- •Time-consuming process (can take weeks or months)
- •Requires careful meal planning and food monitoring
- •Should be supervised by a healthcare provider
Oral Food Challenge
Conducted in a medical setting, this test involves eating small amounts of a suspected allergen in increasing amounts while being monitored for reactions.
Advantages
- •Considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies
- •Can confirm whether someone has outgrown an allergy
- •Provides definitive results
Considerations
- •Carries risk of causing allergic reactions (including severe ones)
- •Must be performed under medical supervision
- •Time-intensive (typically takes several hours)
Find Allergy Testing Near You
Ready to identify your specific allergy triggers? Consult with an allergist or immunologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies.
Types of Specialists Who Perform Allergy Testing
- •Allergists/Immunologists - Physicians specially trained to diagnose and treat allergies and immune system disorders
- •Dermatologists - May perform patch testing for skin allergens and contact dermatitis
- •Pulmonologists - May conduct testing for allergies affecting the respiratory system
- •ENT Specialists - May test for allergies affecting the ear, nose, and throat