Methods of Allergy Testing your Doctor Might Recommend
July 4, 2008 – 11:18 amDo you have an allergy, but are unsure of the specific allergen causing your allergic reaction? Your doctor may be able to recommend a variety of allergy testing to diagnose your condition.
Different types of allergy testing can be used to identify various allergens. Some tests work better than others, depending on the allergy suspected. Therefore; be familiar with the various allergy tests available prior to making an appointment with your doctor. The tests available may fall into several categories including: Scratch tests, elimination tests, and blood tests.
Scratch Tests
The most common type of allergy testing that is done is the scratch tests. This test involves putting a small amount of the suspected allergen onto the surface of the skin, then scratch or prick the area to allow some of the substance to enter the surface.
The other benefit of this particular type of test is that various other allergens can also be tested at the same time. This, therefore, makes this method most useful when the allergen is not know, when the allergens are airborne, and when the allergies are from foods and insect bites.
Elimination Diets
Another type of allergy testing that is often performed is the elimination diet which is used if a food allergy is suspected. A variety of foods are eliminated from the diet for several weeks that are considered potential allergens.
This method of testing can be potentially dangerous for the patient who has severe allergies. If a severe allergy is suspected, a third method of allergy testing is preferred to ensure the safety of the patient.
Blood Tests
A RAST, or radioallergosorbent test, is the final type of allergy testing that is commonly performed. This is achieved by using blood drawn from the patient. It is then examined for the presence of immunoglobulin (Ige) antibodies. This indicates whether the immune system is producing an allergic reaction to the body. These Ige’s tell your doctor if you are allergic to certain allergens, although this testing does not tend to be as accurate and precise as other methods used.
Tags: Allergies/Asthma
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