A particular substance causes allergy reactions. Any substance that can trigger an allergic reaction is called an allergen. To find out what particular substance is causing your problem, your physician may suggest you undergo allergy evaluation by testing your skin or your blood.
Skin Testing
Allergy skin testing is considered the "Gold Standard" for identifying specific allergens. A tiny amount of allergen is scratched across or lightly pricked into the surface of the skin on your back. If you have an allergy the allergen that you are allergic to will cause a reaction to begin in your body. People with allergies have an antibody called Immunoglobulin E or IgE in their body. This antibody activates special cells called mast cells. These cells release mediators such as histamine, which is the chemical that causes redness and swelling. During testing this redness occurs only where allergens to which you are sensitive have been applied.
Intradermal Testing
Along with scratch tests, intradermal tests are sometimes needed. This is more sensitive and identifies lower level allergies. A tiny amount of allergen is injected under your skin, usually on the forearms. This test might be done if your reaction to the scratch test cannot be clearly determined.
Blood Testing
A RAST test is a simple blood test. RAST stands for radioallergosorbent test. The results are usually available within 2 weeks. To do this test a patient does not have to stop taking any medications. This is a test that is easy for children as it only involves a blood draw.
After speaking to one of our allergists they will determine if allergy testing is indicated and with your help in the decision process choose the most appropriate allergy testing procedure.
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