has anyone ever had an allergy tests done?

Question

I went to an alternative doctor for an allergy test, although it was a blood test to find out if you are allergic to anything you may consume or use....My results contained food I eat everyday (wheat,onions,celery,cane sugar,cows milk,brewers yeast, bakers yeast,tuna, sesame,mushrooms,cranberries, radishes and alfalfa. My question is: can you rely on such a test ? I still eat most of these allergic foods because I got really tired and didn't feel good, plus I am vegetarian and it really limited my diet. My family practitioner said the only way you can find out is to do a skin test where you are pricked with a needle. If anyone is knowledgeable about this I would love to hear what you have to say! thanks.

Answer 1

I think the test you had is called RAST test. RAST stands for Radioallergosorbent test, which measures the allergens in the blood, the Skin test is more sensitive and reliable.

My mum has had the RAST test done and was positive to most things. When tested using the Skin test she had major reactions to grasses, pollens, and certain foods, and chemicals. I think the doctor did the RAST test first to see if it was worth doing the Skin test.

May I suggest you see a reputable Allergist, as they are qualified in allergies, and usually have good information on how to either avoid or treat allergies.

Answer 2

Yes I had allergy tests done. We started with the basics and found I was allergic to Juniper trees and a few other things. I started getting allergy shots to try and build up immunity to what I was allergic to- I really did not see any health benefits from this process although others may have found great success. It is my understanding that all allergies start as internal allergies i.e. food and then manifest to external allergies. Getting your food allergies under control could possibly eliminate your allergies all together. I know that it is difficult because it is likely your are consuming everything you are allergic too. I went through the same process and eliminated about 40 foods which meant changing my entire diet and my allergies disappeared completely and let me tell you they were awful I mean just awful! One thing I did learn is that through food combination I could add some of my favorites back in my diet but I could not consume them individually so it was a learning process but well worth the journey.

Answer 3

Had the test done in two parts. The first was a series of little pin pricks with needles on the arm. The second part was with needles for a large quantity of things to be done on my back.

It was uncomfortable and I would not volunteer to do it again but it did show what I had allergies to. I was having major allergy attacks every month and could not figure it out. Turns out it was the tree outside my 2nd story apartment window and I slept with the window open and my head at the window end. And the winds would kick up about once a month.

I kept the windows closed, air conditioner on and filtered the air til I could move to another place. Been allergy free since then.

Answer 4

When I was like 7 or 8 I had one of those done with like 50 needles and they pricked me to see what I was allergic to there was alot of stuff, Chocalate and Chalk Dust are two that were particularly annoying. ( I was a math nerd) My dad drove me to this city a far way and I had to get a shot once a week for a couple years then I grew out of alot of the alergies. Had a great year then hit puberty argg. Chalk dust still bothered me but alot of other things didn't O I was allergic to penicillin I think as well.

The Dr. was Dr, Perez he had this great white mustache and he always gave me a snoopy bandaid.

I don't remember anything about the allergy test. never did that was always odd I only know what I was told. Guess i just blocked it out.

Answer 5

My daughter had allergy testing done when she was 6.she got the flu in kindergarten and after battling it for 3 weeks her immune system dropped and she seemed to be allergic to everything .So we took her to the doctor and they did the skin allergy test and found that rag weed creates hives and dust mites bother her as well. now that she is older and her immune system has gotten a bit more better, she doesn't have half the allergies she had 2 years ago .The allergy testing is really good i think because it gives you a ballpark on what might be triggering your allergy attacks and then you can learn to avoid those triggers.My husband has severe asthma but has never been tested for allergies so its like a trial and error with him.when cooking before I can add a spice I have to research it to make sure it wont interfere with him.

Answer 6

i've gotten an allergy test before but with only 10 needles at a time (some are like 50) to see what i was allergic too and that is pretty good at telling. My doctor said that i was allergic to tree pollen because that one made my arm bleed in that spot and puff out

Answer 7

I have had the allergy test done and was stuck 85 times with needles and cost $1000.00 for the test and they still can't find out what I am allergic to, in the mean time I take allergy medicine and that keeps it under control, I would never have the allergy test done again, it is very painful, and very expensive, and after all the pain and expense we still do not know what I am allergic to.

Answer 8

i've had three skin allergy tests on my back. each one contained about 40-50 foods.. it doesn't really hurt, but then it really starts to itch when they start to put the allergens on my pricked back.. and then if you are allergic to the allergen, then it will appear red and swollen.. it's quite liable... i had hives for about 5 months and i decided to go to an allergist.. after all tests i found out that i was allergic to chicken (something i have everyday because i do not like red meat), turkey, shrimp, and all of the trees in the world.. so.. don't be afraid.. take the test.. and you'll know what you're allergic to.. you'll feel better.. you can still eat tofu--protein.. good luck!

Answer 9

Mine was about 3 dz needles

I told them I didn't have an allergy before

After they were done They said I didn't have an allergy

2 visits, 4 hours per trip on the road

But if you do have an allergy to a certain food or pollen it is the only way to find out

Answer 10

Ya, Ive had it done. They prick you lightly with little needles and then you wait, and if you are allergic to anything then there will be a little red dot. So, I would say its pretty acuratte. Hope this helps. Good Luck with thoose allergies!