Allergy testing

Skin patch allergy test crop

Allergy testing is a method used to identify the substances causing an allergic reaction. These substances, known as allergens, can include foods, pollen, dust mites, molds, insect stings, and certain medications. Allergy testing can be performed in several ways, including skin tests, blood tests, and elimination diet tests.

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Skin patch allergy test 02

Types of Allergy Tests

Skin Tests

Skin tests are the most common form of allergy testing. They involve applying a small amount of a suspected allergen to the skin using a tiny needle. If the patient is allergic to the substance, they will develop a raised bump or rash at the test site. There are three types of skin tests: the prick test, the intradermal test, and the patch test. These tests help identify allergies to a wide range of substances, from pollen to medication allergies.

Blood Tests

Blood tests, such as the radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), are used when skin tests are not possible or practical. These tests measure the amount of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood when exposed to specific allergens. IgE plays a crucial role in allergic reactions, and these tests help determine the sensitivity to various allergens.

Elimination Diet Tests

Elimination diet tests are used to identify food allergies. They involve removing specific foods from the patient's diet and then gradually reintroducing them to see if an allergic reaction occurs. This method is commonly used for diagnosing food allergies such as milk allergy, peanut allergy, and gluten intolerance.

Procedure

The procedure for allergy testing depends on the type of test being performed. Skin tests are usually done in a doctor's office, and results are typically available within 20 minutes. Blood tests require a blood sample to be taken and sent to a laboratory for analysis, with results usually available within a few days. Elimination diet tests can take several weeks to complete, as foods must be eliminated and then reintroduced one at a time under the guidance of a medical professional.

Risks and Complications

While allergy testing is generally safe, there are some risks and potential complications. These can include anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, particularly with skin tests. Other potential complications include fainting, light-headedness, and skin infections. It is important to be under the care of a medical professional during testing to manage any adverse reactions.

See Also

• Allergen
• Anaphylaxis
• Immunoglobulin E
• Food Allergy
• Skin Prick Test
• Diagnostic Testing
• Allergy Treatment
• Environmental Allergies
• Drug Allergies

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