Allergy testing is not something everybody experiences, but many people realize that they are allergic to something at some point. If you have not been diagnosed with an allergy, you may have questions about some of the reactions you have to medications, foods, or airborne pollens.
Do you want to learn more about allergy testing? Do you want to see if you might have an allergy? These are three testing options you might consider with your doctor.
Skin Prick Testing
The skin prick test, sometimes called a scratch test, involves the use of a small needle to scratch an allergen against your back or another part of the body. The doctor may decide to test dozens of allergies or just a few based on your symptoms and risks.
The doctor will leave the room and return within a few minutes to examine the area that was tested. If the doctor notices a reaction, it may be indicative that you have an allergy to the stimulus.
Skin prick testing is useful in many situations, and it is one of the most common types of allergy tests. It is used to test for allergies to food, medications, and even airborne stimuli.
Intradermal Skin Test
An intradermal skin test is similar to the scratch test, but it requires an injection of the potential allergen right under the skin rather than a scratch of the skin. This can help identify different allergens, even though it may be more uncomfortable for some patients.
In addition to testing for airborne and medication allergens, you can also test for allergies to insects. This can help identify a severe reaction you've had in the past so you can plan accordingly in the future.
Patch Test
The patch test can help identify the cause of a skin allergy. This test is similar to other types of allergy tests, but it does not require a scratch or an injection. Instead, the allergen is touched against the skin and covered to try to stimulate an allergic reaction.
In the case of patch testing, the test takes several days. You need to leave the allergen in place until you return to the office. When you return, your doctor will test your reaction to the skin exposure.
Schedule Your Allergy Testing
Allergy testing is a great way to learn more about your body and how it reacts to certain stimuli. If you want to know once and for all what you are allergic to, testing now is a good idea. Call your doctor to learn more.
Share9 June 2022
