Allergy test is done so that the patient will know what kind of allergen can trigger the allergic reactions. There are many types of allergy test that can be used by your physicians. Examples are:

Skin test is used because it is less expensive than blood test. There are different ways of doing a skin test they are Skin Prick Test, Intradermal Test and Skin patch Test.

Step-by-Step guide in Skin prick test:

  • Place a small amount of allergen solutions into the skin
  • Scratch or prick with needles so the drops/solutions can penetrate the skin
  • If it develops a red, itchy raised area (wheal) then the person is allergic to that kind of allergen that is tested

Step-by-Step guide in Intradermal test:

  • • This test is used when skin prick test failed to show results but still suspected the person has allergic reactions.
  • • Examine and clean the skin
  • • Then a small amount of allergen solution is injected to the skin
  • • If there is a reaction after the injection then the person is allergic to certain allergens

Step-by-Step guide in Skin Patch test:

  • • This test is used to determine if the person has contact dermatitis.
  • • Put an allergen solution into a pad
  • • Tape the pad into the skin for 24 to 72 hours
  • • If there are allergic antibodies in your system then it will itch or becomes irritated.

Blood test is a bit costly than skin test. However, this method is used if the person is not able to avail of a skin test. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, EIA) is the most common type of blood test for allergies. The aim is to measure the blood level of a certain antibodies (IgE) in response to the allergens present in the body. Allergic people mean a higher IgE. There are other tests (RAST Test and Immunoassay capture test) that can provide more information about the bodies’ reaction to allergens.

Related Websites:
http://blue.regence.com/trgmedpol/lab/lab01.html
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/allergy-tests


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