Allergy Testing Methods
Your doctor may recommend a variety of allergy testing to diagnose your condition if you suspect you may have an allergy, but are uncertain as to the allergen causing your malady.
A variety of allergens can be identified using these various tests. Since some tests will work better than others; it is a good idea to be familiar with the different methods of allergy testing available to you. Basically, the tests can fall into three categories: Scratch tests, elimination tests, and blood tests.
Scratch Tests
The scratch tests are the most common of the allergy tests that are done. This test consists of placing a small amount of the suspected allergen onto the surface of the patient’s skin, and then making a scratch or prick to allow the substance to penetrate the skin. The site is then observed closely for indication of an allergic reaction.
The other benefit of this particular type of test is that various other allergens can also be tested at the same time. This, therefore, makes this method most useful when the allergen is not know, when the allergens are airborne, and when the allergies are from foods and insect bites.
Elimination Diets
The elimination diet is an allergy test done when the allergy suspected is a food allergy. In this testing, a variety of foods that are potential allergens are eliminated from the diet for a period of several weeks. Each food is then gradually added back to determine which selection will cause the allergic reactions.
This method of testing can be potentially dangerous for the patient who has severe allergies. If a severe allergy is suspected, a third method of allergy testing is preferred to ensure the safety of the patient.
Blood Tests
The third type of allergy testing is the blood test, commonly called the RAST test. This is done by using blood drawn from the patient in the laboratory. The blood is then examined to determine the presence of immunoglobulin antibodies, hence; these will indicate whether the immune system is producing an allergic reaction in the body. Levels of Ige’s that are elevated can tell your doctor what you are allergic to and make certain the types of allergens affecting your system. Should your doctor decide these tests will benefit you, he will check out your medical history and thus ensure the results are accurate.