Allergy Testing

    To get allergy relief the use of allergy testing often needs to be employed.   Usually allergies are diagnosed on an examination from the doctor, but in some cases testing can be employed.  The most common test is allergy skin testing.  This involves the health care provider pricking the skin and introducing a small amount of allergen.  If the skin reacts to the allergen, than there is an allergy, if not, no allergy.          

     The radioallergosorbent test (RAST) examines the blood to determine serum allergen-specific IgE levels.  It is less helpful than skin tests, as it is not as sensitive, more expensive and limited in what it can test for.  It tests for dust mites, pollens, molds and pet dander but less helpful for food, drugs or venom.  Skin testing is preferred to RAST because skin testing is more sensitive, less expensive and tests for more allergens.