Allergy Testing Doctor Q&A

Allergy testing is the process of evaluating a patient’s immune system in order to determine what substances they are allergic to. The most common allergy tests include skin prick tests, skin patch tests, and blood tests. Specific allergy testing involves testing for certain allergy-causing substances in the body. Allergy testing is commonly performed with injections of minute doses of suspected allergens, but blood tests and skin patch tests are also used. Allergy testing can identify the cause of an allergy, which can be helpful for people who have developed a new allergy or those who are living with an unknown allergy. It may also indicate the type of treatment needed, such as medication or immunotherapy. Allergy testing also screens for other conditions that may be confused with allergies, such as sensitivity or intolerance.

An allergy test is typically recommended when experiencing recurrent allergic symptoms that are not associated with another condition, including:

• Red, itchy or watery eyes
• Runny, itchy or congested nose
• Itchy throat
• Itchy skin, hives, or other skin concerns
• Severe reactions to insect stings
• Diarrhea/abdominal pain when eating specific foods

There are other reasons to receive an allergy test; for more information, please contact our office.

To get tested for allergies, one must visit an allergy testing specialist at an allergy clinic. They may perform any one of the following allergy tests:

• Skin Prick Test — A skin prick test is one of the most common types of allergy test and can detect multiple allergens simultaneously, sometimes up to 50 at once. Skin tests are classified into three types: scratch, intradermal, and patch tests; they include testing for food-related, contact, and airborne allergens.

• Patch Test — Commonly performed on people with dermatitis or eczema, a patch test involves special metal discs that contain minute amounts of suspected allergens. These discs are then taped to the back, which is checked after 48 hours by the performing physician for allergic reactions.

• Blood Test — Also known as the ImmunoCAP test, to detect immunoglobulin E antibodies (IgE) that react to major allergens, blood tests are used in certain situations, including when the individual has extremely sensitive skin or has previously experienced a severe reaction during skin testing.

The steps involved in allergy testing vary depending on the type of tests being used, such as patch tests and skin prick tests. Patch tests involve applying several coverings to the skin with very small doses of the suspected allergens. The areas of skin under the patches are then examined by the allergy specialist after 48 hours to determine if a reaction occurred. In a skin prick test, minute amounts of suspected allergens are injected into the skin; if the patient is allergic, a reaction will typically occur within minutes.

Call us today to book an appointment with our allergy testing specialist, or visit one of our three Illinois locations: we have one in Naperville, IL; Plainfield, IL; and Joliet, IL. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Naperville IL, Plainfield IL, Joliet IL, Romeoville IL, Shorewood IL, Crest Hill IL, and Aurora IL.