Allergiesoccur when yourimmune systemoverreacts to a specific substance called anallergen, or trigger.
There are several different methods of diagnosing allergies, includingblood testsandskin tests.
Safety
Skin tests for allergies are generally considered safe.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
While extremely rare, these tests could potentially cause an anaphylactic reaction in some people.
Anaphylaxisis a severe and life-threatening allergic reaction.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate emergency medical attention.
It can cause the throat to swell, obstructing the airways and making breathing difficult.
Cost
Skin testing is among the most affordable of tests used to detect allergies.
The exact cost will vary depending on the healthcare provider and the throw in of test used.
Most health insurance plans will cover this throw in of testing.
Accuracy
False negatives are very unlikely with skin testing for allergies.
The quality of the allergen sometimes creates false negatives.
However, false positives occur about 50%-60% of the time with skin prick testing.
For this reason your healthcare provider may order follow-up tests to confirm diagnosis.
This pop in of testing is also calledRASTor ImmunoCap testing.
Blood is drawn, typically using a needle and syringe, and then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Then IgE levels are measured.
But a cold typically only lasts a few days or weeks at most, while allergies persist.
You may have noticed that these symptoms coincide with exposure to certain triggers.
Summary
Skin tests and blood tests are two primary testing methods to diagnose allergies.
Allergy tests are generally considered safe and affordable.
You may require more than one bang out of allergy test to help confirm a diagnosis.
A Word From Verywell
Allergies are extremely common and can interfere with your quality of life.
Undiagnosed and untreated allergies can lead to conditions such assinusitisandnasal polyps.
Allergies to insect venom affect about 5% of the population.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy diagnosis.
MedlinePlus.Allergy testing - skin.
Food Allergy Research and Education.Skin prick tests.
PlushCare.Allergy treatment available online today.
Food Allergy Research and Education.Blood tests.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Allergy facts.
