Allergy testing is a testing method used to determine whether a person has an allergic reaction to which substances. These substances are called allergens. Both blood and skin allergy tests determine the patient’s body’s reaction to common volatile substances such as pollen and dust mites or allergenic substances such as medications, certain foods, latex and poison. The severity of allergic reactions varies from person to person and in some cases can be life-threatening. A life-threatening condition is anaphylaxis. If an existing allergy is detected as a result of the allergy test performed on the person, an appropriate treatment method is applied.
What is Allergy Testing?
Allergy test is a test performed to detect the allergy that causes the reaction by understanding the cause of the immune system’s reaction to substances called allergens. Allergy tests are classified as blood, skin, skin and patch tests. Some allergies can cause a life-threatening situation in a person, and this is called anaphylaxis .
The immune system is the body’s natural defense. Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to abnormal conditions in the environment. For example, while pollen and dust mites are normally harmless, they can cause a reaction of the immune system. This reaction causes pollen allergy and causes symptoms such as runny nose , sneezing and watery eyes .
Allergy tests, which can be safely performed on people of all ages and genders, including children, are performed to investigate whether the body is allergic to substances such as hay fever , allergic asthma, eczema, pollen-dust mites, food allergy and poison.
If an allergy is detected in the person through the tests performed, treatment methods are applied depending on the allergy that occurs. These treatments vary depending on the person and the type of allergy.
What are the Types of Allergy Tests?
Allergy tests applied to determine which substance the body is allergic to are classified as skin prick test, intradermal skin test, patch test and blood test.
Allergy test types can be explained in detail as follows:
Skin prick test
The skin prick test is applied to the person’s forearm or back through a thin needle and allergens are dropped into the skin. With this test, how the skin reacts to foreign substances is measured. If the person has symptoms such as itching, redness, rash, it means that the person is allergic to a certain allergen.
Intradermal skin test
If the results of the skin prick test, also known as the skin prick test, are negative, an intradermal skin test may be used. In intradermal skin testing, small amounts of allergen are injected into the outer layer of the skin ( epidermis ) by the specialist doctor. This test checks whether the person is allergic to airborne irritants, medications and insect stings.
Patch test
Patch testing, one of the allergy tests, usually determines the cause of contact dermatitis . In the patch test, which is a test applied to both the arm and the skin, allergen drops are applied to the skin and the relevant area is covered with a bandage. This bandage stays on the skin for 48 hours. Through patch testing, contact dermatitis, skin contact with allergens and the presence of food allergies are detected.
Blood (IgE) test
Blood test is one of the types of allergy tests applied to determine the presence of allergens. The blood sample taken in the blood test is sent to the laboratory. Allergens are added to the blood sample by the doctor and the levels of IgE antibodies in it are measured. When the test result is positive, it becomes clear which substance the person is allergic to.
How to Perform Allergy Testing?
Allergy tests are performed through skin prick testing, intradermal skin testing, patch testing, and blood testing. In the skin prick test (scratch test), allergen drops are applied directly to the skin and the reaction is checked. Intradermal, the allergen is injected into the outer layer of the skin. In the patch test, allergens are applied to the back, while in the blood test, a blood sample is taken and the level of IgE antibodies in the blood is measured.
Allergy testing is done through the following types of tests:
- Skin prick test
- Intradermal skin test
- patch test
- Blood test
The common purpose of all these allergy tests is to measure the reaction of the immune system to allergenic substances. For allergy tests to give accurate results, you must stop taking allergy medications, such as antihistamines, three to seven days before the allergy test. Because these drugs can negatively affect test results by stopping the immune system’s response to allergens. However, you can continue to use asthma medication during this period .
Why is Allergy Testing Done?
Allergy testing is done to measure how the person’s immune system reacts to allergenic substances. Thanks to the allergy test, it is determined what the person is allergic to.
At the same time, allergy tests are applied to diagnose the following conditions:
In general, allergy tests are a reliable source of diagnosing allergies to airborne substances such as pollen, pet dander, pollen, and dust mites. Skin testing also helps diagnose food allergies, but because food allergies are complex, additional tests or procedures may be needed.
Allergy tests are also performed as a result of the following symptoms caused by allergens, depending on their type:
- Headache
- watery eyes
- Sneeze
- Runny nose or nasal congestion
- Shortness of breath
- Cough and wheezing
- Sore throat
- Hives
- Nausea and vomiting
- swelling on the skin
- Weakening of pulse
Frequently Asked Questions About Allergy Testing
How is allergy testing performed?
A small amount of allergen that will cause a reaction is applied to the forearm, upper arm or back. Then, the allergen is injected into the skin and it is monitored whether a different reaction such as swelling or redness develops. With allergy testing methods such as scratching and pricking, allergic reactions are checked against many different allergens such as pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites and food.
Where is allergy testing done?
Allergy testing can be performed in the allergy and immunology departments of hospitals or health institutions, or in the dermatology and dermatology departments in case of skin reactions. Which allergy tests will be applied depends on the person’s symptoms and the severity of the allergy.
How to test babies for allergies?
Allergy testing in babies also includes skin prick testing and blood testing and can be done safely from birth.
How do I know what I’m allergic to?
A person needs to have an allergy test to find out what he or she is allergic to. These allergy tests are usually skin prick test, patch test and blood test.
Are there risks of allergy testing?
Anaphylaxis may occasionally occur during allergy tests, but this is rare. In some cases, redness, itching, swelling and pain may occur in the area where the allergy test is applied.
What do allergy test results mean?
If the result of allergy tests such as skin prick, intradermal, patch or blood test is positive, it means that you are allergic to a specific substance. If the results are negative, this means that you do not have allergies.
For more informations you can call us for a consultation with Doctor Ikbel Khalfallah, an experienced pulmonologist for adults and children.
