Allergy, Asthma & Sinus Center of Tuscaloosa

Allergy Testing

It is important to identify what is causing the problem in order to construct an approach which makes sense. Generic avoidance approaches are often misdirected and waste both time and money. In addition, they can cause frustration when they fail to yield results because they do not target the cause of the problem.

The most sensitive form of testing is also the oldest. Skin tests have been around since the earliest part of the twentieth century. They identify sensitivities missed by other forms of testing. They have the advantage of being the cheapest form of testing and also the quickest. The technique involves using a small plastic device which slightly roughs up the skin of the arm or back. The substance to be tested is applied at the same time and a reaction occurs within about 15 minutes if there is an allergy. Needles are not involved in this form of testing, called prick testing.

For insect testing and, rarely, in other cases, injections are given under the skin. These are called intradermal tests and also yield results within about 15 minutes. They are minimally uncomfortable and slightly more expensive than the prick tests.

Blood tests are also available. They are extremely specific but sometimes miss substances to which a person is allergic. These tests take several days to perform, so they may take two or more visits and are three to four times as expensive as the prick tests and are not always covered by insurance.

Sometimes, tests are not available for a certain substance such as a drug or there is a reason to want to confirm the severity of a reaction such as to a food like peanut. In that case, a challenge is done beginning with a very small amount and increasing slowly so that, if a reaction occurs, it will be very mild. This is the ultimate test to make sure that an allergy will not be fatal. It is most often done with foods or with antibiotics and takes place in the office over several hours.

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