How Do You Test For An Allergic Reaction?

There are various kinds of tests that can be done to test people for allergic reactions on certain medications, materials, or food. Three of the common methods of testing for an allergic reaction are: skin tests, blood tests, provocation, and elimination-type tests.

Skin tests

Skin tests are probably the most common procedures done to test skin reactions of people to various stimulants such as food, substances that cause rhinitis and asthma such as pollen, mold, animal fur, and the likes; penicillin, venom, and allergic contact dermatitis.

There are various methods of doing skin tests. One specific method is referred to as prick test. This involves applying an allergen, specifically a suspected allergen which can cause allergy to the patient, on the skin, particularly on the forearm or back. The skin with the allergen will then be pricked so that the allergen will enter the body. After 15 minutes or so, the skin will swell and will turn red once the person is allergic to the substance applied.

Another method of skin testing is called intradermal skin test. This method is done by directly injecting the allergen into the skin and will wait for a few minutes for the signs of an allergic reaction. This method is used in determining if you have allergic reactions with something more specific like venoms or stings.

Blood tests

Blood tests on the other hand, is done when skin tests are not appropriate or if it does not show results. Blood tests measure the amount of antibodies your blood has to specific allergens. Blood tests have two other types: the absolute eosinophil count and the total lgE level.

Elimination test

Elimination tests, on the other hand are done to test allergies in food. This method is done through eliminating food that are suspected to be the cause of allergic reactions of a person. After not allowing the person to consume this type of food for two weeks or so, the food will be re-introduced to see if the body will have any allergic reactions to it.

Provocation test

Lastly, the provocation method is a method that can cause serious allergic reactions and should only be done by a doctor. This method involves exposing the person to allergens that the doctor or the person suspects as the reason for the allergic reaction. Examples of this method is exposing you to specific types of food that may cause allergies and sniffing into pollen or fur.

If you have any general questions about allergic reactions, consult your general practitioner, a trusted osteopath or nutritionist.