Allergy tests
Overview of allergy tests
| Allergy tests | |
|---|---|
| [[File:|250px|alt=|]] | |
| Pronunciation | |
| Synonyms | |
| Reference Range | |
| Calculator | |
| Purpose | To determine allergic reactions to specific substances |
| Test of | |
| Based on | |
| ICD-10-PCS | |
| ICD-9-CM | |
| MeSH | |
| OPS-301 Code | |
| Other Codes | |
| MedlinePlus | |
| eMedicine | |
| LOINC | |
| HCPCS-L2 | |
Allergy tests are procedures used to determine if a person has an allergy to a specific substance. These tests are essential for diagnosing allergic conditions and guiding treatment plans.
Types of Allergy Tests[edit | edit source]
There are several types of allergy tests, each with its own method and purpose:
Skin Prick Test[edit | edit source]
The skin prick test is one of the most common allergy tests. It involves placing a small amount of a suspected allergen on the skin, usually on the forearm or back, and then pricking the skin so the allergen can enter. If the person is allergic, a small raised bump, similar to a mosquito bite, will appear at the test site.
Intradermal Test[edit | edit source]
The intradermal test involves injecting a small amount of allergen just under the skin. This test is more sensitive than the skin prick test and is often used when the skin prick test is negative but an allergy is still suspected.
Patch Test[edit | edit source]
The patch test is used to identify contact dermatitis allergens. Small amounts of potential allergens are applied to patches, which are then placed on the skin. The patches remain on the skin for 48 hours, and reactions are checked at 48 and 72 hours.
Blood Test[edit | edit source]
Blood tests for allergies, such as the RAST or ImmunoCAP, measure the amount of IgE antibodies in the blood in response to specific allergens. These tests are useful when skin tests are not possible.
Preparation and Risks[edit | edit source]
Before undergoing allergy testing, patients may need to stop taking certain medications, such as antihistamines, which can interfere with test results. Allergy tests are generally safe, but there is a small risk of a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis, especially with intradermal tests.
Interpretation of Results[edit | edit source]
The results of allergy tests must be interpreted by a qualified allergist or immunologist. A positive test result indicates a sensitivity to a particular allergen, but it does not always mean that the person will experience symptoms when exposed to that allergen.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
External Links[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
