{"id":1101,"date":"2021-05-14T19:52:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-14T23:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carolinapinesent.com\/?p=1101"},"modified":"2021-05-18T19:52:38","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T23:52:38","slug":"the-different-types-of-allergy-testing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carolinapinesent.com\/the-different-types-of-allergy-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"The Different Types of Allergy Testing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you experience itchy, watery eyes, scratchy throat and sneezing while walking around Memorial Park<\/a>, it most likely means there\u2019s an allergen nearby. Allergens are substances that are normally harmless but that the immune system sees as a threat and attacks. In order to determine what substances you\u2019re allergic to<\/a>, you must undergo an allergy test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below we review some of the different types of allergy testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin Tests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Skin tests<\/u><\/a> are the preferred method of testing for allergens because the results are instant and highly accurate. Skin testing entails introducing potential allergens to the skin and monitoring for an allergic reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin Prick Tests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Skin prick tests are often used to diagnose hay fever and food allergies. During a skin prick test, drops of an allergen extract are applied to different areas of the skin, usually the forearms or back. The skin is pricked at each site so the allergen can penetrate the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a red, raised bump known as a wheal appears at the site you were pricked, it means you\u2019re allergic to that substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intradermal Tests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Intradermal tests work similar to skin prick tests except the allergen extracts are injected directly into the top layers of the skin. This test is useful when trying to detect a weaker allergic reaction. Because the reactions tend to be stronger, this test is typically only used when skin prick testing is inconclusive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blood Tests<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Blood tests are typically ordered for people who cannot tolerate a skin test, including those who are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n