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Allergy Testing

(Mon Nov 19th, 2007, by Sarah Brown) 

Allergy is a type of illness we face when some products or substances are consumed. Those products or substances trigger allergic reaction to the skin and blood of the person. We need to avoid such products or situations which cause allergy in our body. For this we have at least the knowledge of such substances by testing ourselves. Those substances are called allergen. To know which substances causes allergy in our body allergists or immunologists generally tests our blood or skin using little amounts of trouble some allergens. Generally adults and children of any age can go through allergy tests.  

The symptoms may appear in respiratory systems, in skins or in some other systems. Itching in eyes, nose or throat, nasal congestion, watery eyes or chest congestion are come under respiratory allergy symptoms. Hives, atopic dermatitis and generalized itchiness are part of skin allergies. Anaphylaxis, cramping and diarrhea are some other type of allergies found in our body.   

Allergy testing is of three type's skin, blood and elimination test. Skin tests are conducted by placing a small amount of substances which cause allergy on a scrapped skin. Blood tests are generally done if the person is unable to go through a skin test due to presence of some skin disease. Blood tests are done by radio allegro sorbent testing (RAST). In blood test the antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) is measured in the blood and determines what the chances of the person to allergic reactions are. Elimination test is a type of diet where food consumption is controlled to know whether the person is prone to any food allergies. You can determine the elimination test yourself without the doctor but a doctor could provide you a list of foods you must avoid.   

Before going through a test the doctor needs to check all your medical history because it may help in testing the process and though it might look like a hindrance in the preparation it is necessary. Consumption of illicit drugs and substances are not allowed prior to the testing. In both testing for allergy the concerned person will feel a temporary itchiness and discomfort whilst a tiny needle is used to prick a small portion of skin. However in blood testing the person would not feel any discomfort due to drawing of blood from the vein.  Though allergy testing meant for improving the condition of the patient it has its own risks. In skin testing the person might face the problem of swelling of the face, severe itching and sometimes serious reactions such as anaphylaxis. Profuse bleeding and inflamed veins are two common disorders found during blood testing. Sometimes stable red areas caused by allergen occur due to negative skin test but in positive skin test red areas are 1/8 larger than normal.