Allergy Tests

Allergy tests are conducted to help determine whether or not your body has an adverse reaction to a specific allergen, whether that allergen is airborne (such as pollen), a material (such as wool) or within a type of food (such as peanuts). During your evaluation, your doctor may ask you some detailed questions about your symptoms, perform a physical exam and ask you to keep a detailed diary of symptoms and possible triggers. Allergy testing also usually involves skin tests and/or blood tests. For skin tests, your doctor will prick your skin and expose it to a small amount of potential allergens. If you’re allergic, you’ll likely develop a bump or hive at the test location. Blood tests determine your amount of allergy-causing antibodies in your bloodstream. Once diagnosed, your doctor will create a plan of care that may include medication, allergen avoidance or immunotherapy.