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Allergy Testing by Editorial Staff And Contributors

Definition | Reasons for Test | What to Expect | Results | Call Your Doctor

Definition

Allergy tests are a group of tests that are used to find out or confirm which substances are causing allergic reactions.

Reasons for Test

These tests help to identify the causes of allergic reactions. The specific causes will help determine a treatment plan.

What to Expect

Prior to Test

Keep a diary of your allergy symptoms. When you have symptoms, write them down, including:

What time it happened
Where it happened
What you ate
What you have come in contact with

Depending on the type of allergy test, your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medicines prior to the test.

Description of the Test

There are several types of allergy tests:

Blood testing—You will roll up your sleeve. The technician will clean the area with an antiseptic. An elastic band will be tied around the upper arm. A needle will be inserted into the vein. Blood will be collected into a vial. The elastic band will be untied and the needle will be removed. The technician will cover the site with a bandage. The sample will be sent to the lab for testing. The blood will be tested to see if it reacts to certain substances.
Skin testing—The suspected allergen (substance that causes the allergic reaction) will be applied directly to the skin. It may be applied with a shallow scratch or with a skin-prick needle. The needle will push the substance into the surface layer of the skin. For every allergen tested, you will have a separate scratch or skin prick. Redness and swelling will appear if you are allergic. It usually takes about 15-20 minutes to appear. This may be followed by intradermal testing. In this case, the allergen is placed deeper into the skin.
Patch testing—Patches containing suspected allergens are placed on the skin. The patches will be left in place for 48 hours. You will be asked not to shower or get them wet. They will then be removed. The skin will be examined after 48-96 hours. If there is a reaction, the skin will become itchy at the site. A blister-like lesion may form.

After Test

There are no special steps that you need to take after the test.

How Long Will It Take?

For blood testing: a few minutes
For skin testing: 15-20 minutes
For patch testing: 48 hours with the patch on, 48-96 hours for observation

Will It Hurt?

You may have mild irritation where the substance is applied to the skin.

Results

Once specific allergens have been identified, you can take steps to avoid these triggers. This will help lessen allergic symptoms. Ask your doctor to give you strategies to control your allergies. Adjust your activities to avoid exposure to allergens that bother you.

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if you develop a severe rash or have any questions or concerns.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology http://www.aaaai.org/
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases http://www.niaid.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Allergy Asthma Information Association http://aaia.ca/
Calgary Allergy Network http://www.calgaryallergy.ca/

References:

Adkinson N, Yunginger J, Busse W, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy: Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby; 2003.
Allergy diagnostic testing: an updated practice parameter. American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology website. Available at: http://www.acaai.org/NR/rdonlyres/0B3BD12B-E34D-471B-994D-50DFD8E56A06/0/Dx_Testing_2008.pdf . Accessed July 21, 2009.
Allergic rhinitis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated July 2009. Accessed July 21, 2009.
Behrman RE, Kliegman RM, Jenson HB, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 17th ed. Saunders: Philadelphia, PA; 2004.
Tips to remember: allergy testing. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology website. Available at: http://www.aaaai.org/patients/publicedmat/tips/whatisallergytesting.stm . Accessed September 30, 2009.

Last reviewed October 2011 by Purvee S. Shah, MD

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