Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies to foods, medications, and seasonal allergens. Without proper precautions or treatment, allergic reactions can be deadly. That’s why allergy testing in Evansville IN is so important.
There are three different categories of allergy tests. Read on to find out what to expect during each of them.
Skin Tests
Doctors can use skin tests to identify airborne, food, and contact allergies. The first skin test that doctors will try is called a scratch test. During this test, the doctor will place a small amount of the allergen in a liquid and apply it to the patient’s skin using a special tool that lightly scratches the skin’s surface.
If the patient has a noticeable reaction, such as localized swelling, redness, or itching, it indicates that he or she is allergic to the substance. If the results are inconclusive, the doctor may perform an intradermal skin test by injecting a small amount of the allergen into the patient’s skin and looking for reactions.
The third type of skin test is the patch test. It involves placing a small amount of the suspected allergen on an adhesive patch and applying it to the patient’s skin. The patch will remain in place for up to 96 hours, and the patient will return to the doctor for reviews.
Blood Tests
Doctors use blood tests if they believe there’s a chance that the patient may have a severe reaction to skin tests. It involves drawing a small amount of blood, then exposing it to an allergen and testing it for the presence of specific antibodies in a laboratory.
Elimination Diets
The final form of allergy testing in Evansville IN applies only to patients who have food allergies. While performing elimination diets, patients will remove potential allergic triggers from their diets and then add them in one at a time to determine which of them is provoking a reaction.
The Bottom Line
Allergic reactions can be dangerous, but allergy testing is performed in a safe, controlled environment. Want to find out more about these tests and the doctors that perform them? Click here to get started by learning about one well-respected local allergist’s office today.
