What Are Allergy Tests?

Allergy testing is a procedure used to detect whether any foreign bodies, like pollen, pet dander, insect venom, or tree nuts, will trigger an allergic response. Here’s what you need to know about the process.

Allergies are over-reactive immune responses to certain elements, known as allergens. Allergens can trigger mild symptoms such as sneezing and a runny nose, or severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. The most common allergens include the following:

• Food Allergens: Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, and wheat are some of the foods that commonly cause allergic reactions.
• Environmental Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander can be present in the air or on surfaces.
• Medications and Chemicals: Certain medications, such as penicillin, and chemicals, such as latex, can trigger allergic reactions.
• Insect Stings: Bee and wasp stings are highly common, and sometimes dangerous, allergens.

Allergy tests, also known as allergy assessments or allergy screenings, are procedures used to diagnose and manage allergies.

Types of Allergy Tests

There are several forms of allergy test. The type of test your allergist recommends will be determined by your symptoms, their severity, the suspected cause, and other factors.

• Skin Prick Tests: Skin prick tests, also known as scratch tests, are the most commonly used type of allergy test. The process involves using a fine needle to introduce tiny amounts of a suspected allergen into the skin of the forearm or back. If the allergen produces a response – inflammation, redness, or a raised rash – then an allergen has been detected. The response generally occurs within 15 minutes of the injection of the allergen. Skin prick tests identify airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, or animal dander.
• Intradermal Skin Tests: Intradermal skin tests are more sensitive and specific than SPTs. They are conducted the same way as SPTs, but instead of injecting a small amount of allergen under the skin, a larger quantity is injected just beneath the skin’s surface. Intradermal skin tests are largely used for diagnosing allergies to medications, insect venom, or certain food allergens.
• Patch Tests: Patch tests evaluate responses to allergens that come into contact with the skin, such as metals, fabrics, or cosmetics. These tests are carried out by placing tiny patches containing suspected allergens onto the back of the patient. The patches are left for 48-72 hours, allowing the patient’s skin to react. After the designated period, the patch is removed, and the skin is observed for any signs of inflammation or other allergic reactions. Patch tests provide valuable information about contact allergies but have limited use for airborne allergens.
• Blood Tests: Blood (IgE) tests determine the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which the immune system produces in response to allergens. Blood tests can detect allergies to a wide range of allergens, including foods, insect venom, medications, and airborne allergens.
• Oral Food Challenge Tests: Oral food challenge tests confirm the diagnosis of food allergies by administering tiny amounts of the allergen and monitoring their response. This test must be performed under medical supervision in a clinical setting. The patient starts with small doses of the suspected allergen and gradually increases the amount while monitoring for any indications of an allergic reaction. If the test is tolerated without adverse reactions, it might be concluded that there is no allergic response. Oral challenge tests are used cautiously and only for allergy diagnosis when other tests are inconclusive or the allergen cannot be tested by other means.

Allergy tests are a reliable and effective method for diagnosing allergies. Skin tests, in particular, are considered the gold standard for diagnosing allergic disorders. They are quick, safe, and relatively painless.

You might not have ever experienced any medical symptom that indicates a potential allergy, yet being screened for allergies might be necessary for multiple reasons.

Why You Might Need an Allergy Test

If you have had unexplained medical symptoms after being exposed to certain elements, an allergy test could help you understand their cause. While allergies are often associated with uncomfortable symptoms like sneezing, itching, and watery eyes, it is important to test for allergies even in the absence of noticeable symptoms. There are several reasons why regular allergy testing is essential.

Early Detection

One primary reason for allergy testing is early detection. Many allergies have a gradual onset, and symptoms may not appear until a significant amount of allergens has been inhaled, ingested, or touched. Allergy tests allow you to identify potential allergens early on, even before the onset of symptoms. This early intervention can help prevent the development of more severe allergic reactions.

Avoiding Unexpected Reactions

Allergies can manifest in various ways, and some may experience reactions that are not immediately recognizable as allergies. By undergoing allergy testing, you can proactively identify and avoid any triggers that may cause a reaction, even if you are not experiencing significant symptoms. This approach can help minimize any risk of experiencing a more severe response.

Controlling Triggers

Allergy testing can provide valuable information that can help you control triggers. By identifying specific allergens, you can take appropriate measures to minimize exposure. Preventative measures might include avoiding contact with allergens, using allergy-proof bedding and clothing, or implementing strict cleaning routines.

Allergy Management

Allergy testing is essential for effective allergy management. By regularly monitoring allergies, you can make informed treatment decisions, minimize symptom risk, and improve your overall quality of life.

Medical History Documentation

Allergy testing is a valuable tool for documenting your medical history. This information is vital for healthcare providers, as allergies can affect various medical conditions and treatments.

It is vital to have a comprehensive medical history and physical examination before conducting an allergy test. Assessing your overall health allows your practitioner to make the appropriate clinical assessments and create an individualized allergy management plan.

Allergy Tests Vs. Food Sensitivity Tests

While food allergies and food sensitivities might seem like similar – if not the same – conditions, these concerns are quite different.

According to the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (AAAI), food sensitivity (also called food intolerance) causes digestive difficulties when certain foods are consumed, leading to stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Food sensitivity is unrelated to the immune response, and while it can sometimes lead to severe discomfort, it is not a life-threatening condition.

People experience food sensitivities because their bodies do not create sufficient quantities of the enzymes necessary to break down the chemicals in certain foods. People who are lactose intolerant, for example, do not produce enough of the enzyme lactase, which aids in the digestion of milk and milk products.

Allergy tests will not detect food sensitivities. If you are experiencing periodic gastrointestinal distress, particularly after eating, please visit your physician for a thorough evaluation. While food sensitivity could be causing your digestive distress, it is also important to rule out other possible medical issues, such as inflammatory bowel disease, which might require endoscopic testing.

At-home food sensitivity tests should not be used to identify food sensitivities or intolerances. The only reliable way to determine the existence of food sensitivity is to undergo clinical testing by a board-certified medical professional.

The team at Allergy Partners offers comprehensive allergy testing and management solutions, helping diverse patients successfully identify and overcome debilitating allergies. If you suspect you might have any type of allergy symptoms, please don’t hesitate to seek allergy testing and treatment today.