What is an allergy test?
Allergy tests are used to determine what substances (allergens) are causing allergy symptoms. Typical allergens in Oklahoma include trees, grasses, pollens, mold, and pet dander. Additionally, some may have food allergies which cause a reaction when eating certain foods such as nuts, milk, and soy. An allergy test allows your provider to pinpoint what is causing your allergic reaction and provide a plan of treatment. Allergy tests are safe and effective for diagnosing allergens.
What are the types of allergy tests?
Our office performs a variety of allergy testing to best determine what allergens are causing your allergic reaction.
These tests include:
- Skin prick (scratch) test: A thin needle or scratch device is used to introduce the allergen into the skin. This test is most commonly done on the back or forearm. Reactions such as redness, or raised spots called wheals typically occur within 15 minutes of allergen exposure. Skin prick tests are the most common allergy test.
- Intradermal skin test: Intradermal skin tests are completed if you receive a negative or inconclusive skin test result. A small amount of allergen is injected into the outer layer of the skin.
- Patch test: Patch testing is most common to determine the cause of contact dermatitis. A drop of allergen is placed on the skin and then covered with a bandage or patch. You leave the bandage on and return to the provider’s office within 48 to 96 hours. Your provider can then determine if the reaction is positive.
- Blood (IgE) test: You will have your blood drawn and sent to a lab. The lab then adds allergens to the blood and measures the levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody that is involved in allergies.
- Oral challenge test: Oral challenge tests must occur under the direct supervision of a provider in his or her office. People with a food allergy will swallow a small amount of suspected allergen. This small exposure over time helps to reduce the immune response to the allergen. Medical supervision is required in order to treat any symptoms that may develop during the challenge.
How do I know if I need an allergy test?
Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms. You may experience symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Nasal congestion, sneezing or runny nose
- Shortness of breath, wheezing or chronic cough
- Sore throat
- Hives and swelling
- Skin rash or itchy skin
Additionally, food allergy symptoms typically occur within 30 minutes of eating something but can occur up to two hours later. People with food allergies may experience:
- Hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or itching.
- Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest or throat tightness.
- Nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and cramps, vomiting and diarrhea.
- Pale skin, weak pulse, dizziness or lightheadedness.
If you have any allergy symptoms, you may need an allergy test to diagnose what is causing your allergic reaction. It is important to remember that allergic reactions can be unpredictable and become severe even if your first allergic reaction was mild.