What is an Allergy Test?

Allergies are a major health concern for a vast population in the UK. Top allergy testing clinics offer private allergy testing services to help diagnose the type and degree of allergies of any particular patient. It can be performed as skin tests or blood tests. Normally, allergy tests are done under the supervision of a specialist in an allergy clinic. These professionals are trained in the best practices for testing and treating allergies.

Skin Testing for Allergies

How do allergy skin tests work?

There are two varieties of skin tests. During the first kind of skin test, a drop of a presumed allergen is pricked on the skin surface. The allergy test is usually performed on the forearm or back. Many presumed allergens are tested at the same time. If you have swelling and redness at the test spot, then you are allergic to one of the tests.

Sometimes the physician will recommend a second type of allergy test. In this type, a tiny amount of the presumed allergen is injected into the skin of the arm. Several presumed allergens are tested at the same time.

Blood Testing for Allergies

When are allergy blood testing is performed?

An allergy blood test is often performed because:

●     The patient is taking a medication that may interfere with skin testing, but cannot be discontinued for a few days.

●     The patient suffers from a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema.

●     Testing with a strong allergen may cause an extremely positive reaction.

Which test method is best?

Skin tests offer fast results. They usually cost less than allergy blood tests. What are the negatives? Some drugs can interfere with the tests. Also, the skill of the doctor performing the test may affect the results. The test should be done by a professional with lots of training.

Blood tests are beneficial because they require a single needle prick. Medication does not interfere with the results. However, you need to wait for long to get the results. Depending on the test, there is a possibility of false positives. Blood tests are costly compared to skin tests. There are multiple types of allergy blood tests. Few are more helpful than others.

Each test method has pros and cons. The allergy test results alone do not diagnose allergies. All test results, from either type of allergy test, must be diagnosed together with the medical history.