Allergy Testing your Doctor Recommends
If you think that you may be having an allergy, but you are uncertain of the specific allergen causing this allergic reaction, your doctor may suggests a variety of allergy testing to diagnose your condition. The different types of allergy tests identify a variety of allergens.
Since many tests work better than others depending on your specific allergy, it is recommended that you make sure you are familiar with the various kinds of allergy tests prior to making an appointment with your doctor. The basic tests fall into three areas: Scratch tests, elimination tests, and blood tests.
Scratch Tests
The scratch tests are the most common of the allergy tests that are done. This test consists of placing a small amount of the suspected allergen onto the surface of the patient’s skin, and then making a scratch or prick to allow the substance to penetrate the skin. The site is then observed closely for indication of an allergic reaction.
Then, the site is observed to watch for an allergic reaction such as swelling, redness, or itching. A result is often seen in as little as twenty minutes with this particular method of allergy testing. The advantage to this is that many other types of allergens can be tested at the same time. Therefore, this makes this method most useful when the allergen is not known, is an airborne allergen, or an allergy from foods and insect bites.
Elimination Diets
Another type of allergy testing that is often performed is the elimination diet which is used if a food allergy is suspected. A variety of foods are eliminated from the diet for several weeks that are considered potential allergens.
This method of allergy testing works best with mild allergic reactions. However, it can pose a potential danger to patients who have severe, anaphylactic allergies. If there is a severe allergy suspected, a third method of allergy testing is preferred to ensure the safety of the patient. Thus, a life-threatening substance is not placed into the system of the allergy sufferer.
Blood Tests
The third type of allergy testing is the blood test, commonly called the RAST test. This is done by using blood drawn from the patient in the laboratory. The blood is then examined to determine the presence of immunoglobulin antibodies, hence; these will indicate whether the immune system is producing an allergic reaction in the body. Levels of Ige’s that are elevated can tell your doctor what you are allergic to and make certain the types of allergens affecting your system. Should your doctor decide these tests will benefit you, he will check out your medical history and thus ensure the results are accurate.
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