According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, 100 million Americans are allergic; shockingly, many of these patients do not know they are allergic. Some allergy symptoms occur seasonally, and sometimes they go unnoticed since they are mild. The diagnostic procedure helps you determine your allergies and know the allergens that affect you. How does allergy testing work? Learn how the test works from ARCpoint Labs of Martinez.
When Should You Get Allergy Testing
Anyone with a proactive wellness plan can undergo allergy testing. Nonetheless, this diagnostic test is essential for people with persistent allergy symptoms. The tell-tale signs that show it could be time to undertake an allergy test include:
- Wheezing
- Itchy eyes
- Sneezing
- Skin rash
- Pain in the abdomen
- Indigestion
- Shortness of breath
- Unexplained headache or fatigue
The allergy symptoms mentioned above occur after exposure to an allergen. Some of the most common allergens include certain foods, dust, pollen, or pet dander. The signs of allergy may also occur after taking certain medications like penicillin.
What to Expect During an Allergy Test
So, how does allergy testing work? An allergy test is performed in a medical facility. First, a clinician will expose you to various allergens. Afterward, they will monitor if your body reacts to the allergen.
At ARCpoint Labs of Martinez, we use a blood or a skin test to check for allergies.
Blood Test
A blood allergy helps determine if there is an overproduction of IgE antibodies in your blood. Your immune system produces these IgE antibodies whenever you encounter various allergens like pollen.
How is allergy testing done? Our qualified laboratory specializing in health and wellness testing takes a blood sample from a vein in your arm. Afterward, we will send the blood sample to our laboratories for analysis. The blood test can help doctors determine whether you have food or seasonal allergies. Furthermore, the results from a blood test can tell whether you are sensitive to dust, pet dander, or certain medications.
Skin Test
In a skin test for allergies, your doctor will rub a solution containing a suspected allergen onto your skin. The clinician will then examine the exposed skin for allergic signs, such as itching, swelling, or red patches.
Like the blood test, the skin test detects all sorts of allergies. Thus, your doctor can use it to determine whether you are sensitive to medication, insect bites, and certain foods. A skin test can also show your sensitivity to dust, pollen, mold, latex, and pet dander allergies.
When to Expect Allergy Test Results
The results of a blood allergy test take around two weeks. The reason for this is that the laboratory analysis of your blood sample is quite complex and time-consuming. Contrariwise, the results of the skin allergy test are available immediately.
If the tests reveal you are allergic, you should consult an allergist for treatment. The doctor will likely advise avoiding allergens or taking medications to control the symptoms. An allergist may also recommend immunotherapy.
Enjoy Every Day of Your Life and Get Tested for Allergies
Be sure to get tested for allergies if you suffer from recurring symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes. How does allergy testing work? Clinicians test your blood for allergy-related antibodies or observe whether specific allergens react with your skin.
At ARCpoint Labs of Martinez, we’re committed to providing quick and accurate allergy testing services. Contact us to learn how to prepare for allergy testing. You can also go ahead and schedule your allergy testing appointment today.