If your allergist suspects that you may be dealing with allergies, the only way to know for certain is by going through an allergy test. There are various forms of testing that you may experience, and you should have an understanding of what to expect when you get tested for allergies. Often, the type of test you get will depend on what your possible allergies might be and what your doctor might be looking for. You may even get more than one form of allergy testing to ensure that all the areas are being checked.

Testing for Allergies

The most common form of allergy testing is skin testing. This is when your allergist applies a small amount of a specific allergen to your skin. You may be tested for a wide range of allergens to see what could be affecting you. Your allergist will apply the allergen and then monitor your skin for any reactions. If your skin reacts, you’re allergic to that specific trigger.

While this is often seen as the normal test, there are reasons this might not be done. If you’ve had a severe allergic reaction in the past, your allergist may not want to risk going through that again. Certain medications and skin conditions can also interfere with your results and give you incorrect information.

Another form of allergy testing is through a blood test. This can be done if you aren’t able to undergo a skin test for any reason. It’s important to know that blood tests cannot be done to determine an allergy to penicillin. You may need additional tests to ensure the results are correct no matter which test your allergist suggests.

Contact Our Allergist Today

Find out what you’re allergic to and how it’ll be tested. Contact your allergist to learn more about testing for allergies and what you can expect during the process.