On the skin allergy tests. Have you had one?

Question

The other day my docotor recommended that i have a skin allergy test done. However, I'm worried that they'll find something that will give me a serious reaction. For those of you who have had one, did they mention how likely this was (since its only tested on the skin and not injected) and what kind of allergens did they test for (average, wisespread with families, and/or rare allergies?). I'd also like to know how much they charged. Thanks :D

Answer 1

If you have chronic urticaria and idiopathic anaphylaxis, then skin testing is contra-indicated. First, chronic urticaria is rarely caused by allergies, and there is a high incidence of false positive reactions, making it a waste of time and money. Second, if you have idiopathic anaphylaxis, there is the risk of the testing causing you to go into anaphylactic shock. If the IA is due to some underlying mast cell disorder, again the incidence of false positives can be high.

For typical allergies, there is a slight risk of a severe reaction. However, I don't know any allergist that would do testing without rescue meds immediately at hand (epi, steroid, and antihistamine injections). If you have reason to be very concerned because of previous severe allergic reactions, ask your doctor about alternatives, such as RAST or patch tests.

Allergens tested are usually foods you eat, local pollen, stuff you would normally come into contact with. I had skin testing done back in the 1980s, and at that time it was a couple hundred dollars for a complete panel; they tested something like 60 different allergens on me. I also had some RAST tests done a few years before that, they were around $20 for each allergen. I believe RAST testing produces a lot less incidence of false positive results than skin testing (prick or patch).

Answer 2

I didn't have one but I do it for patients. We call it Patch testing. Allergens like hair dye, ink, cement, fragrances,nickel, metals,ointments,eye drops, nail polish,lotion & deodorant contents, shampoo.etc...almost every stuff that you use in your body and can be found in your environment.It will not cause major reactions since it will only be tested (it will be put on your back like a patch) for 72 hours. And just the minimal amount introduced.It will itch (like an ordinary allergy/ insect bite) and will just bring slight discomfort since you are not allowed to wet your back as the test is being conducted.It is a good test especially if you are not sure of where your allergies are coming from. We had one patient that have this itch on his armpits & head..found out that the shampoo & deodorant he has been using has this same content he is allergic to. Go for the test.. I think the doctor is giving you the best way to finally find out where all your itch are coming from. Hope I have helped u :)

Answer 3

I have had several in my life. They used to do them on the back. Now they just use the arms. Tiny pin pricks and then a drop on each spot. Most do nothing. Some swell up like mosquito bites. They look at the size of the dot and rate them from 1 to 4. I was tested for a wide variety of tree, grass, mold pollens, cat, dustmites, and foods. Ragweed gave me a serious reaction, I puffed up so they had to wait to do the foods. Don't worry, they have stuff on hand for serious reactions. I didn't need an epi pen.

They are going to ask you circumstances when you have had reactions. Times of year. In my case, since I am worse in the spring and fall--they were pretty sure on pollens.

Sorry but I don't remember how much it cost since it has been several years. But the shots have helped me a great deal. I used to have my eyes glue shut in ragweed season. Now I am pretty much symptom free as long as I take clarinex.

Answer 4

the first testing they will do is probably for pollens and some other common allergies like soy or peanut..etc. I don't believe it will give you a serious reaction if it is a skin prick test. They will look for bumps that raise up and will be itchy....it will kinda look like hives. If it becomes to obnoxious and itches, they will recommend for you to take some antihistamine after the test is done. I don't know how much they charge for the skin testing though.

Answer 5

I've had it done 2 times. It does not hurt. I had over 100 items tested the last time. They test for dirt, mold, all kinds of trees, flowers, etc. You will be fine. It's important to have the tests done so the doctor will know what you are allergic to, and how to treat it. They can treat you with a prescription (anti-histamine) or shots (little needles).

I don't know how much it cost because my insurance paid for it. Call the doctor and ask how much it costs, and if you have insurance, how much is covered by it. Good luck.

Answer 6

Avoiding allergic triggers is an important part of allergy and asthma management, as well as controlling allergic reactions to venomous insects and foods. Your doctor will normally ask you a series of questions in order to identify factors in your environment that may be triggering your symptoms. Skin testing helps your doctor to confirm your sensitivity so that appropriate avoidance advice can be given. This may be followed by allergy testing (using skin tests or RAST) to help confirm or exclude the presence of sensitivity. Results are available within 15 ­ 20 minutes. It is important to note that all test results must be interpreted in the context of a careful history.

Medications with antihistamine-like actions (antihistamines, some cold remedies, tricyclic antidepressants) are normally withheld for 3-5 days before testing as these will interfere with the results of testing. You may also be advised to avoid creams and moisturisers on your forearms for a similar period of time to reduce the likelihood that allergen extracts will "run" into each other.

How testing is done
Skin prick testing is most commonly performed on the forearm, although the back is sometimes used. The arm is first cleaned with alcohol, then a drop of commercially-produced allergen extract is placed onto a marked area of skin. Using a sterile lancet, a small prick through the drop is made. This allows a small amount of allergen to enter the skin. If you are allergic, a small mosquito-like lump will appear at the site of testing over 15-20 minutes. Skin tests are slightly uncomfortable, but is usually well tolerated and accurate, even in small children and infants.

Skin testing in infants and children
Skin tests are slightly uncomfortable, but is usually well tolerated and accurate, even in small children and infants.

Rationale for skin prick testing
Underneath the lining of the skin, gut, lungs, nose and eyes are mast cells. These are designed to kill worms and parasites and contain granules filled with irritant chemicals (including histamine). Mast cells are also armed with proteins called IgE antibodies, which act as remote sensors in the local environment. A person allergic to house dust mite, for example, will have IgE antibodies capable of recognising the shape of dust mite allergens, in much the same way that a lock "recognises" the shape of a key. When this happens, mast cells are triggered to release their contents into the tissues, triggering an allergic reaction.

In patients with hay fever or asthma, testing usually includes house dust mite, cat and dog dander (perhaps other animals if contact occurs), mold spores and relevant grass pollens, weed and tree pollens and sometimes occupational allergens in those with hay fever or asthma. Testing can also be used to confirm suspected food allergy and stining insect venom allergy. Skin testing has been shown to improve the accuracy of diagnosis in clinical studies.

While food allergy is more common in people with asthma than the general population, it is a rarely triggers asthma alone. Instead, asthma is usually accompanied by severe itchy hives, swelling or dizziness or gut cramps. Since irrelevant small false positive reactions to food occur in up to 5 per cent of subjects, and as such results are often misleading, testing for food sensitivity is not considered routine in the absence of a history suggesting food allergy as well.

Skin testing is not a reliable way of confirming suspected reactions to aspirin or food additives, and you will need to discuss such concerns with your doctor.

Answer 7

I've had it done. It did not pick up allergies I know I have and it did not find any I did not know I had. Also, it was pointless for me because I wasn't willing to have allergy shots. I'm not sure how much it costs because my insurance paid for it.

Answer 8

Most insurances cover this allergy test and since it isn't injected just itches and turns red i had 60 pricks and they tested everything on me..

Answer 9

oh don worry about it...they just pinch ur arm with substances and the part of ur arm that gets swollen represents the substance ur allergic to...its no big deal and u wont have any serious reactions....i dunno how much they charge..but i think u should do ur own search on the net...or contact ur doctor and ask him how the test is done and how much it costs..good luck!

Answer 10

they will have you check off common foods and then check for dust mites and danders! it is not serious just a lil red bump about as big as a skeeter bite go and do not worry it is nothing!