Allergy test

Allergy testing can help confirm or rule out allergies and consequently reduce adverse reactions and limit unnecessary avoidance and medications.[1][2] Correct allergy diagnosis, counseling and avoidance advice based on valid allergy test results is of utmost importance and can help reduce the incidence of symptoms, need for medications and improve quality of life.[3] A healthcare provider can use the test results to identify the specific allergic triggers that may be contributing to the symptoms. Using this information, along with a physical examination and case history, the doctor can diagnose the cause of the symptoms and tailor treatments that will help the patient feel better. A negative result can help the doctor rule out allergies in order to consider other possibilities. Ruling out allergies is as important as confirming them to limit unnecessary avoidance, worry and negative social impact.[4]

NIH guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy and the diagnosis and management of asthma recommend either allergy blood testing or skin prick testing to reliably determine allergic sensitization.[5][6]

For an allergy blood test, a sample of the patient's blood is sent to a laboratory for analysis. Allergy blood tests measure the presence of IgE antibodies to specific foods, pollens, mites, animals, insects and other environmental factors. (IgE, short for “immunoglobulin E,” is the antibody that triggers food allergy symptoms.) The doctor looks at the test results to help determine if the patient has allergies. Allergy blood tests are not affected by antihistamine use and can be performed for people with extensive rashes that prevent using skin prick tests. For babies and young children, a single needle stick for allergy blood testing is often more gentle than several skin tests.

For a skin prick test, a patient is pricked with a series of needles that contain extracts of allergic triggers. The doctor looks for strong reactions like welts or red bumps to determine if the patient has allergies. [7] This method, although unpleasant for young children and people who dislike needle pricks, is beneficial because the person may discover an acute allergy with specially trained healthcare staff available to stop life-threatening allergic reactions such as an unexpected anaphylactic reaction. It may also allow the person to be prescribed tools for intervention needed if anaphylaxis ever occurs again, such as an mobile epinephrine pen. Epinephrine acts quickly to vasoconstrict, increasing blood flow to vital organs, and relaxing the smooth muscles in the airway, allowing the patient to breathe until emergency services arrive.