1. What types of tests are used to detect allergies?
There are three types of tests commonly used to detect allergies:
- Skin testing - droplets of suspected allergens are placed on or just under the skin surface; raised bumps (about the size of a mosquito bite) strongly indicate allergy antibodies to that allergen
- RAST testing - a blood test that detects specific allergy antibodies
- IgE testing - a blood test that detects the presence of allergy antibodies; does not identify specific allergens
2. I have heard that allergy testing is not reliable for infants and small children. At what age can it be done?
There are no age restrictions for allergy testing. Reliable results may be obtained by a board-certified allergist on patients of any age.
3. How accurate is allergy testing in identifying allergens?
No allergy test is 100 percent accurate. For this reason, tests should be conducted and results interpreted by a board-certified allergist.
4. How are results interpreted?
Allergy test results are evaluated in conjunction with your medical history, your experience upon exposure to an allergen, and your response to medication or avoidance of suspected allergens.
Learn More... by taking our FREE online course, Allergy Testing 101. You can learn about these topics: The Importance of Allergy Testing, Skin Tests, Blood Tests and Do Meds Interfere?. You may take this course or select one from our course catalog after you enroll.
