More than 50 million people in the United States are suffering from allergies. Dr. Wade Han explains about various allergy tests used by doctors to understand your problem better. Moreover, thanks to latest technology, allergy tests are convenient and accurate than before. Detailed medical history is sometimes not enough to understand specific allergy triggers. At such times, these tests can come in handy. An allergy test confirms if you have allergy along with the substances to which you are allergic.
Skin Prick Test
This test is usually done at first while looking for allergens. The skin is pricked with a tiny amount of suspected allergen to check the reaction. If you are allergic to that particular allergen, then skin will become itchy and a swollen mark may appear too. This painless and safe test can get you results within 20-30 minutes.
Patch Test
The patch test is done to check the reaction of skin after direct contact with a specific substance or chemical. Suspected substance/chemical is added to special metal plates. These plates are then taped to your skin for 48 hours. This test is carried out at a dermatology department in a hospital. If there are allergic antibodies in your system, your skin will turn itchy and irritating.
Food Challenge
Food or Oral challenge is known to be the most accurate way to diagnose a food allergy as stated by Dr. Wade Wei Han. During this test, the patient is given certain food items in increased amounts to check the reaction. Only one food item is tested in each session and it confirms which food items act as allergy triggers.
Blood Test
The blood test for allergens is also known by two popular names – lgE test and RAST test. This test is used to measure the number of lgE antibodies, produced by immune system in response to a suspected allergen, in the blood. The main advantage of this test is that it can be done at any time. Allergy blood test is preferred for infants and young kids.
Intradermal Test
Dr. Wade Wei Han explains this test as a small amount of allergen is injected just under the skin after proper cleaning of skin.
Skin Prick Test
This test is usually done at first while looking for allergens. The skin is pricked with a tiny amount of suspected allergen to check the reaction. If you are allergic to that particular allergen, then skin will become itchy and a swollen mark may appear too. This painless and safe test can get you results within 20-30 minutes.
Patch Test
The patch test is done to check the reaction of skin after direct contact with a specific substance or chemical. Suspected substance/chemical is added to special metal plates. These plates are then taped to your skin for 48 hours. This test is carried out at a dermatology department in a hospital. If there are allergic antibodies in your system, your skin will turn itchy and irritating.
Food Challenge
Food or Oral challenge is known to be the most accurate way to diagnose a food allergy as stated by Dr. Wade Wei Han. During this test, the patient is given certain food items in increased amounts to check the reaction. Only one food item is tested in each session and it confirms which food items act as allergy triggers.
Blood Test
The blood test for allergens is also known by two popular names – lgE test and RAST test. This test is used to measure the number of lgE antibodies, produced by immune system in response to a suspected allergen, in the blood. The main advantage of this test is that it can be done at any time. Allergy blood test is preferred for infants and young kids.
Intradermal Test
Dr. Wade Wei Han explains this test as a small amount of allergen is injected just under the skin after proper cleaning of skin.
To know more on type of allergies, read - Common types of Allergies as suggested by Dr. Wade Wei Han
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