What type of tests do they do to find out what you are allergic to?

Answer 1

my sis had these tests done. First they do a test on your back. They mark areas by number. Then they take a bunch of small needles each with a different allergen on it. They prick your skin in each marked area. Then after they read them, (usually after just a few minutes) they can tell which showed a reaction. Then you come back another appointment. This time they mark you again and use syringes to inject small amounts of each allergen you had reaction to under your skin. It really didn't look too bad.

Answer 2

Skin tests are the most common. Specific methods vary. The scratch test (one of the most common methods) involves placement of a small amount of suspected allergy-causing substances (allergens) on the skin (usually the forearm, upper arm, or the back), and then scratching or pricking the skin so that the allergen is introduced under the skin surface. The skin is observed closely for signs of a reaction, usually swelling and redness of the site -- a controlled hive with so-called wheal and flare. Results are usually obtained within about 20 minutes, and several suspected allergens can be tested at the same time.

A similar method involves injection of a small amount of allergen under the surface of the skin (intradermal) and watching for a reaction at the site. Skin tests are most useful for respiratory allergies (in which the allergen is inhaled), a penicillin allergy, insect bite allergies, and food testing.

Food allergies are usually tested by using various elimination diets -- the suspected foods are eliminated from the diet for several weeks and then gradually re-introduced one at a time while the person is observed for signs of an allergic reaction. Because a person might believe he or she is allergic to a certain food, a double-blind test may be advised to find out if this is true. In a double-blind test, suspected foods and placebos (harmless substances) are given in a disguised form. The person being tested and the provider are both unaware of whether the substance tested in that session is the placebo or the food substance. A third party knows the identity of the substances and identifies them with some sort of code. This test requires several sessions if more than one substance is under investigation.

While this strategy is useful and practical for mild allergic reactions, it must be undertaken carefully in individuals with suspected severe reactions to foods. In this instance, blood tests may be a safer first approach, as described below. Of note, skin testing is almost never performed to detect food allergies for the same reason of the higher risk of causing a severe allergic reaction.

The RAST is a laboratory test performed on blood (see venipuncture ). It tests for the amount of specific IgE antibodies in the blood, which are present if there is a true allergic reaction.

Other tests include immunoglobulin measurements (see serum immunoglobulin electrophoresis) and the blood cell differential or absolute eosinophil count (increased eosinophils can indicate the presence of allergy). Provocation (challenge) testing includes exposure to the suspected allergen -- for example, in the diet or by inhaling the suspected allergen -- under controlled circumstances. This type of test may provoke severe allergic reactions. Challenge testing should only be done by a doctor.

Answer 3

Patch testing will test the things you are allregic to. The things you are in contact with. They will just put commercially prepared allergens then this will stay on your back for 48 hours, removed then back on the second day, after 72 hours for the final reading. In the lab, we do blood tests if you already suspect that it is a food allergy. We have different panels..like dairy product panel, seafoods..etc which will test your blood to what particular food you are allergic to. For some meds, they do scratch test or prick test like what nurses do before giving antibiotic to patients.Hope i have helped you. God bless! ;0

Answer 4

Most people are allergic to poison ivy, wood oak, some plants with pollen. These things are normal, and if you turn the area into a desert its much worse. Replaced by flying dirt and sand.
Itching, burning, dry skin, redness, irritated eyes, coughing, stuffy nose.
Closing the windows, helps keep the vehicle smog, and barbecue smog, out of the room.
Dusting the house also helps. Buildings have filter units but not all. Its best for food stores, and food prep companies to have HEPA filters for pollen, bacteria and fungi. But its not state law.
- Consider looking for HEPA air filters, Oreck, Bonair, Conair, Homedic, Holmes, Honeywell, Sharper Image....
www.costco.com
www.sharperimage.com
www.mercedesbenz.com

Answer 5

They do scratch tests where they apply a small amount of the allergen to your back and check for reactions

Answer 6

Usually the doctor injects a minute amount of multiple antigens into the skin of your back superficially and looks for a reaction. It is not painful.

Answer 7

Allergy symptom response tests, or ASRTs for short.

Answer 8

skin prick tests on back or arms, they don't hurt, then an IGE anti-body blood test for mold and bird droppings and cockroach droppings!

Answer 9

they take your blood...