What is the scratch test and whats the bad thing about getting that done?

Question

I have bad allergies and I was told that is what I have to get...

Answer 1

It's not bad...if you are allergic to any of the allergen oils they put on you, you are a bit itchy in spots, but they can relieve that with a spray or cream once they see the reaction.

They just put different allergens on your skin and prick you (you barely feel it- promise!). They can tell what you react to and how bad it is in order to tell what you are allergic to.
EDIT:

THE WACKO BELOW ME IS CRAZY!! THERE IS NOTHING "BARBARIC" ABOUT THIS TEST! I would have my child take this test-it's that harmless...they BARLEY break the skin. MOST allergists still use this test and in no way is your doctor bad. I would HIGHLY recommend this test (even for a child). I needle drawing blood is more painful than this test.
Don't worry about a thing and good luck!!

Answer 2

If any allergist you are going to is still using the scratch test, please find another doctor!

They scratch/break your skin with a blade and add allergans directly into the broken skin! It's old, out dated and barbaric. (Can you imagine doing that to a child?) It's outdated, do not submit yourself to that, and do not go to a doctor that is still making patients suffer through that. Any doctor that doesn't know about the RAST test has not done his continuing education in allergies.

If you do indeed have really bad allergies, I would recommend you try either Zyrtec or Singulair. Both are non-sedating once a day pills that are very effective in treating allergies.

There is a blood test, called the RAST test. With one tube of blood they can determine what you are allergic to. It's THAT easy.

I have 3 kids and all of them have the RAST test with their annual check up with our allergist. We have lived on the East Coast and the West Coast, all the doctors used the RAST test on our kids. I would NEVER allow anyone to do the scratch test. Maybe it was the best test money could buy 25 years ago, but not now.

Here's a link that explains the RAST test:
http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/allergy/test.html

I hope you do not submit yourself to that old fashioned scratch test, sweetie. I wouldn't allow them to do that to me. No way.