Should I have allergy tests done?

Question

I went to an allergist today for a consultation after having an allergic reaction to what I believe was penicillin this weekend. i also have an allergy to shrimp. I may have other allergies. the doctor tried to talk me out of getting an allergy test done saying that it's clear that I am allergic to these things but if I want to know for a fact that she'd do it. My question is...should I get the tests done or just play it safe and assume that I am allergic to these things. She said I could go into shock getting the tests but I always thought they were very safe.

Answer 1

Allergy tests are, in general, pretty safe. Usually, they initially put a small amount of the allergen (the thing causing the allergy) on your arm, and wait and see what you react to. Whatever you don't react to, they give you in a slightly larger dose into your skin on your back, and wait to see if you have a reaction to that. You are kept in the doctor's office during this time, and they have ways to treat you if you have a really big reaction to one of the allergens. They usually don't test people for antibiotics or food, except peanuts. They do test for different plant and animal allergies. I'd say you don't need to be tested for either of the shrimp or the penicillin, but since you have a couple of documented allergies, you may want to get tested against other things, so you know what to avoid.