Allergy Tests: Why It Is Done
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Why It Is Done
Allergy testing is done to find out what substances (allergens) cause an allergic reaction.
Skin test
The skin prick test can also be done to:
- Identify inhaled (airborne) allergens, such as tree, shrub, and weed pollens, molds, dust, feathers, and pet dander.
- Identify likely food allergens (such as eggs, milk, peanuts, nuts, fish, soy, wheat, or shellfish).
- Determine whether a person may be allergic to a medicine or insect venom.
Blood test
A blood test on a blood sample may be done instead of a skin prick test if a person:
- Has hives or another skin condition, such as eczema, that makes it hard to see the results of skin testing.
- Cannot stop taking a medicine, such as an antihistamine or tricyclic antidepressant, that may prevent or reduce a reaction to a substance even when a person is allergic to the substance.
- Has had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
- Has had positive skin tests to many foods. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can find out the foods that a person is most allergic to.
| Last updated: | August 08, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Debby Golonka, MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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