An allergic reaction is a natural way a human body fights against irritants. If it occurs more often, it needs to be checked. Severe allergic reactions can be lethal and the source of irritation needs to be identified beforehand. It enables an individual to avoid those irritants as much as possible and stay safe. Allergies are considered to be critical conditions that can threaten life. This is why physicians often suggest taking an allergic test and identifying the cause of irritation.
An allergy test can be conducted in two different ways. It can be by a skin test or by a blood test. Despite being considered the same, the severity of the allergies should be recognized by using a specific test prescribed by a physician. Let us take a quick look at the test procedures.
What is a skin allergy test?
It is a minimally-invasive test where the skin of your arm or back is pricked using a tiny allergen (substance causing irritation or irritant). An allergic reaction will happen right away or it can start within half an hour of the test only if you are allergic. If not, there will be no reactions whatsoever.
Skin tests are easier to comprehend and can be done faster than blood tests. However, there are precautions one has to take before taking a skin test. He should not consume anti-allergic pills or antihistamines to get the actual results. Anaphylaxis or allergic shock has a very small possibility but precautions are mandatory. Skin allergic tests are recommended for the following reasons.
- You want a quick result. It takes half an hour maximum to get a result.
- Skin tests are sensitive enough to deliver the right results.
- Skin tests are cheaper than blood tests.
What is a blood allergy test?
In this test, a trained phlebotomist will draw a blood sample from your arm. It is then analyzed to recognize the allergens you are sensitive to. It takes several days to get a result but blood tests are more accurate. In this test, no allergen is introduced as a trial and error method.
Simply, blood is drawn and tested with different allergens to check allergic reactions outside the body. It means there is no chance that an individual’s health is at risk of anaphylaxis. Also, there is no requirement to not consume anti-allergic or antihistamine medications for this test.
This test is recommended due to the following reasons.
- If you are unable to stop anti-allergic or antihistamine medications, you must go for a blood test.
- If you have sensitive skin then blood tests are ideal to recognize the allergens that cause reactions.
- A blood test delivers a comprehensive result and covers almost all kinds of allergy tests. It means a complete allergy profile can be established by a single blood test.
One of the best examples of a comprehensive blood test at home done for allergens is to check the protein responsible for food allergy. A blood test will reveal which protein you are allergic to. This test will also explain what foods you cannot eat to avoid any allergic reaction in the future. Food allergies can only be checked by drawing and testing a blood sample.
Which test is ideal? Skin or blood?
Both blood and skin tests for allergies are accurate enough to deliver the right results. It all depends on the specific conditions that decide which test to be taken. Registered physicians prescribe a test by considering the medical condition of a patient.
For instance, an instant report will require a patient to go through a skin test. On the other hand, a blood test is done for a comprehensive result. If the individual is prone to allergic anaphylaxis, he will be recommended to take a blood test and wait for the report of diagnosis. Skin tests are done for a quicker turnaround time.
In some cases, if the allergic reactions are severe, doctors may prescribe both tests. It means a patient will have to seek blood and skin tests to confirm a diagnosis. Both tests can deliver 100% accuracy and explain what a patient is allergic to.
Conditions that seek an allergy test
A doctor’s consultation prescribes an allergy test based on the following symptoms.
- Sneezing
- Throat tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Itchy nose
- Clogged nose
- Watery eyes
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling in lips, tongue, and eyes
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea, etc
Wrapping up
From the above discussion, we can clearly understand that a skin test and a blood test are both valid to check allergic reactions. Both tests enable physicians to understand the specific allergen an individual is sensitive to. It may happen that the individual is allergic to more than one allergen.
Based on the report generated by an Allergy Test, the physician will explain the precautionary measures the individual should take. It is then he can avoid unnecessary allergic reactions and stay cautious. Thus, book a test online and get your allergy profile done. Maintain your lifestyle and get rid of allergies as much as possible by following the advice of a doctor.
