by Dorothy Medlum
Do you have an allergy, but are unsure of the specific allergen causing your allergic reaction? Your doctor may be able to recommend a variety of allergy testing to diagnose your condition.
Different types of allergy testing can be used to identify various allergens. Some tests work better than others, depending on the allergy suspected. Therefore; be familiar with the various allergy tests available prior to making an appointment with your doctor. The tests available may fall into several categories including: 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.
Swelling, redness, or itching are signs that an allergic reaction has occurred. A result can often be detected in as little as twenty minutes using this type of testing. The other advantage to this kind of test is that many different allergens can be tested together. This makes this method especially useful if the allergen is unknown, airborne, or a food allergy.
Elimination Diets
If a food allergy is suspected, the elimination diet may be performed. A variety of foods that are potential allergens are eliminated form the diet for several weeks. Each food is then gradually added back to the person’s diet, with attention being mad to see which of the selections of food is causing the allergy symptoms to return.
This method of testing can be potentially dangerous for the patient who has severe allergies. If a severe allergy is suspected, a third method of allergy testing is preferred to ensure the safety of the patient.
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.
About the Author:
This article helps you to understand allergy information, however this is a huge topic and can’t really be covered in one sitting. There is also
Allergy Resource that we could probably write another 10 articles on. We always keep the newest articles at bestallergyinfo.com so feel free to surf on over to and read all the high quality articles present there. If you liked the info then let us know how were doing while your visiting.
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on Wednesday, July 16th, 2008 at 8:28 pm and is filed under Allergies.
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