Allergen Testing

Allergies are triggered by environmental allergens that can be avoided. The effects of the allergies always cause great discomfort and related health problems to affected persons. Getting to know specific allergens and avoiding them is crucial to asthma and allergy treatment as well as management. The most reliable way of knowing allergens is through allergen testing. The testing can either be done through blood tests whose aim is to use RadioAllergoSorbent (RAST) test to confirm your allergens or through a skin prick test.

Using skin prick test is the most common method used by many doctors for allergen testing. It is also the most convenient of all to many people. This is because it is not only cheap but also takes a short time to complete, always around 30 minutes.  However, it is uncomfortable to many people.

The skin test is often done on forearms and backs. The preferred place is cleaned using alcohol and a small amount of allergen extract dropped on the area. The allergen extracts used are always those that are commercially produced. A doctor then makes a tiny prick right in the place the allergen was placed. This is done with a lancet that is safe and clean. Through the pricked hole, the placed allergen enters the skin. After about 20 minutes, your body will have reacted to the allergen and a lump made on the pricked skin if you are sensitive to it.

Allergen testing using blood test on the other hand makes use of the body’s antibodies to determine a person’s allergens. It is the best alternative available for skin tests though not equally sensitive. They are used when skin tests are not possible due to incidences like skin diseases and people taking medications that can result to inaccurate skin test results. There are many types of blood tests that a doctor can choose from. These include RAST, ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and capture tests of Immunoassay among others.

The methods used for allergen testing are many and apply different techniques. The choice and appropriateness of each test depends on each person and the preference of the doctor consulted. These tests only help you know your allergy’s allergens. The information gotten can then be used by your doctor to guide you on what to use and avoid so that you learn how to manage your asthma or allergy.