Allergy testing is a necessary evil for many people. If you are like most of us, you’ve had your fair share of run-ins with the green beast.

Whether it’s a seasonal rash or an immediate reaction to something that was just touched, it is always good to know the cause and take precautions accordingly.

Allergist after allergist have been consulted and, in most cases, they all agree — test after test reveals that it is indeed indeed true — one’s sensitivity to various allergens varies from person to person.

This article will explain what allergists mean by saying that one person may be allergic to XYZ while someone else is not; as well as share some insights on how frequently testing your allergies should take place.

What is Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing is a blood test that checks for specific allergens in the blood. The allergens are usually things like dust mites, pollen, food, latex, and various other things that can cause symptoms like allergic reactions.

Allergy testing is done by taking a blood sample, usually from the fingertips, and then sending it to a lab that specializes in allergy testing.

Once the specialist receives the sample, they will run it through an automated system that will look for the specific allergens and indicate whether the person is allergic to them or not.

They will also indicate if there are any allergic markers that need further investigation or attention.

This is the most accurate test you can get but it is also very expensive and only done at specialized allergy clinics. It is recommended that you get tested annually or twice a year.

When Should an Allergy Test Be Done?

In general, it is recommended that a patient under the age of 30 have an allergy test every year.

Patients over the age of 30 may have a yearly test but it is recommended that they have one every second year.

On the other hand, children may have to get allergy tests more frequently than adults since their bodies are still developing.

It is also important to note that the frequency of allergy tests differs depending on the person’s symptoms.

For example, a person with a severe allergic reaction should have a test done immediately because it might be too late for treatment.

However, for people with mild allergies, if it is just a whiff of something that triggers a mild response, it is fine to wait a week before getting tested again.

Types of Allergy Tests

There are many types of allergy testing but the three most common are immuno-flow assays, allergen-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) immunoassays, and radioallergosorbent (RAST) assays.

All of these tests look for specific allergens but they have different results. You need to find out which one is right for you.

Immuno-flow assays are the most common type of allergy testing. In this test, a blood sample is sent to a lab for allergy testing.

The lab will then run the sample through a special machine that tests for multiple allergens at once.

This test is fast, accurate, and cheap but it can only detect immediate allergies. It is good to use this test if you have an immediate allergic reaction to something but it is not clear what the cause is.

Allergen-specific Ig immunoassays are the most common type of allergy testing.

These allergy tests are also calledcapture tests. In these allergy tests, a blood sample is sent to a lab where a specialized machine looks for traces of specific allergens.

Allergen-specific Ig immunoassays are very fast and accurate but they are more expensive than immuno-flow assays.

Allergen-specific RAST assays are the most popular type of allergy testing. This is also known as the ELISA test.

In this test, a blood sample is sent to a lab where a specialized machine looks for traces of specific allergens.

RAST assays are very sensitive and accurate but they are also the least expensive type of allergy test.

How to Get an Allergy Test?

There are a couple of ways to get in contact with an allergist. One is to check if your primary care physician (PCP) is an allergist.

If not, then request to see an allergist if your PCP does not specialize in allergies. You can also try looking for an allergist through your state board of medicine.

Each state has a different name for this board and they are usually listed in your state’s directory of health care providers.

Once you find an allergist, you can request a referral to a specialist. You can also contact an allergy clinic or hospital and ask if they have a referral program in place.

The best thing to do is to talk to your primary care doctor, ask him/her to recommend an allergist or have him/her refer you to an allergist.

Results of Allergy Tests

Now that you have gone through all the steps, you should be getting the results of your blood test soon.

The results will be specific to you and your allergies. The allergist will look for any allergic markers, investigate the source of the allergic reaction, and determine the types of treatment that are needed.

If you have any of the allergic markers, they should be addressed immediately. Also, if your allergies are causing you any problems such as allergies to pollen, mold, dust, or pet dander, you should have the test done again in a couple of years to see if there have been any changes in the markers.

Is it Safe to Test Every Year?

It is safe to test your allergies every year but it is not necessary. Allergy tests are expensive and only performed at a clinic once every year.

Some people choose to do it at home but that is up to you to decide.

You can also get allergy testing done more frequently but it is important to keep in mind that the accuracy and interpretation of results are the same no matter how often you do the test.

If you are going to test your allergies more frequently, it is best to do so before the pollen season begins.

This way, you will only be testing for pollen and not other things that may trigger a reaction like dust, weeds, or pet dander.

Conclusion

Allergy testing is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy. It is important to know what causes your allergies and what precautions you should take. Having an allergist check your blood is the only way to have this information.

There is no right or wrong way to get tested. The only way to know what allergies you may have is to get tested.

Allergist after allergist have been consulted and, in most cases, they all agree — test after test reveals that it is indeed indeed true — one’s sensitivity to various allergens varies from person to person.

Allergists are experts in the field of allergies. They know what causes allergies, which treatments are best, and when it’s safe to go back into your environment.

If you want to test your allergies, you must contact an allergist.

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