Allergy Tests
Allergy tests are simple, quick, and relatively painless. And theyre the best way to confirm whether or not a particular allergen (or allergens) will cause a person to have an allergic reaction. Typically a person will suspect that he or she is allergic to something before taking an allergy test, so often an allergy test is performed as a way to confirm a suspicion. Skin tests and blood tests are the most common types of allergy tests performed today.
Once the problem-causing allergen is singled out, that person can then make the necessary modifications in his/her environment and/or lifestyle to protect against an allergic outbreak. This is important because allergic reactions can range from a simple irritating skin outbreak all the way to serious difficulty with breathing.
Skin Allergy Tests
In most situations, a skin test will be performed first as it usually results in reliable findings. Plus, skin tests for allergies are faster and less expensive than blood tests. With skin tests, several allergens can be tested simultaneously. The person administering the test begins by cleaning the test area, either the back or the arm, with...