OverviewWhat is allergy testing?Healthcare providers perform allergy tests to determine whether your immune system overreacts to certain substances (allergens). If you have an allergic reaction, it means you have an allergy. Show
People can be allergic to things in the environment like mold, pollen and pet dander. Some people have allergic reactions to bee stings or latex. People with food allergies may not be able to tolerate peanuts, milk or soy. Why do healthcare providers perform allergy tests?Your healthcare provider may perform an allergy test if you have allergy symptoms that bother you. Providers also perform allergy tests on people who have asthma. The test can identify allergy triggers that can worsen asthma symptoms or bring on an asthma attack. You may also need a test if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This potentially life-threatening problem can cause hives or swelling, breathing difficulty and/or a sharp drop in blood pressure that brings on anaphylactic shock. Your health history along with allergy testing is used to determine the cause of severe reaction. If you have had an anaphylactic reaction or may be at risk for one, then you may need to carry an epinephrine (adrenaline) auto-injector (EpiPen®) to treat the symptoms. How do I know if I need an allergy test?If you’re allergic to allergens in the air like dust, pollen or pet dander, you may develop allergic rhinitis. Also known as hay fever, this allergic reaction causes:
Food allergy symptoms typically occur within 30 minutes of food ingestion but may occur up to two hours after ingestion. People with food allergies may experience:
People who are allergic to latex, fragrances or metals like nickel may develop contact dermatitis. This allergic reaction affects your skin. You may have:
A patch test, performed by a dermatologist, is used to diagnose these types of reactions. Test DetailsWhat does an allergy test do?Allergy tests measure your body’s response to specific allergy triggers or allergens. If you have an allergy, your immune system overreacts. It produces antibodies (proteins) called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies trigger the release of chemicals that cause an allergic reaction. What are the types of allergy tests?There are different ways to test for allergies. Your healthcare provider will select the best method based on your symptoms and the suspected allergens. These tests include:
How should I prepare for an allergy test?Your healthcare provider will ask you to stop taking allergy medications like antihistamines three to seven days before an allergy test. These medicines can interfere with test results by stopping your immune system’s response to allergens. You should continue to take asthma medication. What should I expect during an allergy test?The purpose of skin tests is to see how your body responds to allergens. If you have an allergic reaction, you’ll develop a reaction at the site of the test. Rarely patients may have mild allergy symptoms such as itchy skin, watery eyes and congestion. Most symptoms clear up in one to two hours after the test, the redness or wheals may remain for several more hours. Are there any risks to getting an allergy test?The potential for an anaphylactic reaction is the biggest risk. This type of reaction is rare. Providers are always prepared with epinephrine. They offer emergency care if you have a severe reaction during an allergy test. Are at-home allergy tests effective?Over-the-counter allergy test kits that you buy at your local drugstore or online aren’t very reliable. Some of them don’t test for the right antibodies. You’re also more likely to get a false-positive result, which may lead you to avoid certain substances or foods unnecessarily. Health insurers may not fully cover the cost of allergy tests at a healthcare provider’s office. The costs can range from $200 to $1,000. You can ask your insurer about your plan’s policies. In general, it’s best to get allergy tests with a medical expert. They can read the results and discuss treatment options with you. Results and Follow-UpWhen should I get my allergy test results?You’ll get the results of most allergy tests immediately after testing while at your provider’s office. A patch test can take several days. Results from blood tests sent to a lab may take a week or longer. What do the results of an allergy test mean?Allergy test results may be:
What happens if I have an allergy?Depending on the allergy, your healthcare provider may recommend one or more of these steps:
A note from Cleveland Clinic Allergic reactions can range from annoying congestion to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Allergy tests can identify substances that cause these types of allergic reactions. There are different allergy tests. Your healthcare provider will choose the best test for you based on symptoms and potential allergy triggers. If you have allergies, you can take steps to get symptom relief. How do I find out what I am allergic to?A skin prick test, also called a puncture or scratch test, checks for immediate allergic reactions to as many as 50 different substances at once. This test is usually done to identify allergies to pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites and foods. In adults, the test is usually done on the forearm.
What are the 10 most common allergies?The 10 most common allergies include foods, animals, pollen, mold, dust mites, medications, latex, insect stings, cockroaches, and perfumes/household chemicals. Allergies are a condition in which the body's immune system considers a substance as a harmful “invader” and overreacts to it.
How can I test myself for allergies?A skin test is the most common kind of allergy test. Your skin is pricked with a needle that has a tiny amount of something you might be allergic to. If you have a rash or take a medicine that could affect the results of a skin test, you may need a blood test. For chronic hives, you usually do not need an allergy test.
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