allergy testing

any one of the various procedures used in identifying the specific allergens. Such tests are helpful in prescribing treatment to prevent allergic reactions or to reduce their severity. The most common is allergy skin testing, which exposes the patient to small quantities of the suspected allergens. Factors considered in performing allergy tests include the medical history of the patient, the allergy history, the environment, and the diet. Individuals to be tested are usually instructed to discontinue the use of any antihistamines at least 24 hours before the test because these drugs can interfere with normal test responses. The most common kinds of allergy testing are the intradermal, scratch, patch, conjunctival, Prausnitz-Küstner, radioallergosorbent, and use tests.

allergy testing

See Patch testing, RAST, Skin testing.

Patient discussion about allergy testing

Q. What happens when you get an allergy test? My doctor told me that I should have an allergy test done. I have had a friend have an allergy test done and she had a bunch of bumps on her arm. My doctor said it was just a simple blood test. Has the test changed? What should I expect? Is it painful?

A. Today, you can check allergy also with a blood test. What you check is the antibodies that your body manufactures. They extract antibodies from the blood and react it to all sort of allergens and see what happens. Here is a more elaborated explanation about it :
http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/allergy/sample.html

Q. How do I diagnose an allergy? I think I’m allergic to something. I’ve been having running nose, sneezing, and even problems breathing every once in a while. How can I find the cause?

A. There can be thousands of materials that you are allergic to. But usually people are allergic to the same things (cats, pets in general, type of foods and so forth..). what you can do is an allergy test- It’ll cover most of the usual things. Here is a video that explains it:
http://www.5min.com/Video/Allergy-Testing-9036

More discussions about allergy testing

References in periodicals archive ?

Euroimmun is a provider of autoimmune testing and infectious disease and allergy testing with capabilities across immunology, cell biology, histology, biochemistry and molecular biology.

PerkinElmer Closes USD 1.3bn Acquisition of 100% Stake in German Autoimmune Testing Firm Euroimmun

You might be surprised to learn that food allergy testing, a common laboratory test done by both physicians and nontraditional practitioners, has almost no clinical validity.

The problem with lab testing for food allergies Massey: Widespread food allergy testing common but unnecessary

In many cases, a medical evaluation will include the use of allergy testing to help confirm or exclude the allergy diagnosis.

Latest lab diagnostics for seasonal allergies

Surveying 276 physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and pharmacists at two Rochester Regional Health hospitals, Ramsey and colleagues found very low levels of allergy testing.

Most penicillin allergies are off base

In most cases, allergy testing is not indicated, she said at the American Academy of Dermatology summer meeting.

Food allergy testing only rarely needed for AD patients

Contract notice: Conclusion of an agreement for the assignment of the supply in full service of laboratory systems for allergy testing.

Conclusion Of An Agreement For The Assignment Of The Supply In Full Service Of Laboratory Systems For Allergy Testing

Identifying specific environmental allergens involves allergy testing.

Inhalant allergies target the skin: sneezing and watery eyes can result, but sufferers will more often develop itching, hair loss, sores and infections

Once the offending allergen has been determined by skin testing or blood allergy testing there are a number of treatment options which can overcome the symptoms and improve your pet's quality of life.

ASK THE VET; Here are more super snaps of readers' pets. Send yours and see all the photos at www.chroniclelive.co.uk/pets

Q None of the over-the-counter medicines seem to help my springtime allergies, but I am afraid of allergy testing as I've heard it is painful.

Nail ridges ... How much fiber? ... Allergy tests

A review of about 800 patients referred to an allergy clinic found that almost 90% of children who had been told to avoid foods based on allergy testing could in fact eat them safely.

Allergy tests

She says allergy testing should be carried out alongside a full clinical history in order to calculate the actual risk of reaction, and adds: "While we would not suggest that everyone needs to go out and get tested tomorrow, it's important for parents to be aware of the symptoms and how they can progress.

We had no idea Haydn had a food allergy; Bereaved mum Emma Wileman lost her son to an undiagnosed food allergy. Now, she tells Lisa Salmon, she wants parents to have their kids tested to prevent another tragedy

She says allergy testing should be carried out alongside a full clinical history in order to calculate the actual risk of reaction, and adds: " She says allergy testing should be carried out alongside a full clinical history in order to calculate the actual risk of reaction, and adds " She says allergy testing should be carried out alongside a full clinical history in order to calculate the actual risk of reaction, and adds "While we would not suggest that everyone needs to go out and get tested tomorrow, it's important for parents to be aware of the symptoms and how they can progress.