SKIN PRICK TEST

Allergy testing will involve putting a small amount of liquid containing an allergen on the top layer of your skin and then pricking it. If the skin reacts with a raised itchy area (called a wheal), it usually means that you are allergic to that allergen. Skin tests are fast, simple, and relatively safe. Reactions will occur within 20 minutes.

INTRADERMAL SKIN TEST

Intrademal (ID) is ordered to ensure that false-negative skin prick test reactions are not missed. ID testing is done only for allergens that were negative during skin prick testing. ID testing is performed by injecting a small amount of antigen into the intradermal space on the upper arms and then observing the resulting response. Reactions will occur within 20 minutes.

RAST TEST

(Radioallergosorbent) A blood test is used to determine to what substances a person is allergic to. 

IgE TEST

(Immunoglobulin E) A blood test that measures the blood level of IgE, one of the five subclasses of antibodies. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that attack antigens, such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens. IgE antibodies are found in the lungs, skin, and mucous membranes. They are associated mainly with allergic reactions (when the immune system overreacts to environmental antigens such as pollen or pet dander) and parasitic infections.

IMMUNOCAP TEST

The most recently FDA-approved test, which reliably tests for hundreds of allergens in a single blood test. ImmunoCAP will also accurately identify specific allergen sensitivities in patients with confirmed allergy.