Allergy tests identify the substances behind your symptoms and guide treatment and prevention.
In this article
Key takeaways
- Skin and blood tests exist
- Identify specific allergens
- Prior preparation required (suspend antihistamines)
- Results must be interpreted in clinical context
- Allow planning avoidance and immunotherapy
Types of tests
- Prick test: skin application, read in 15-20 min
- Patch test: for contact allergy, read at 48-72 h
- Specific IgE in blood
- Provocation test in selected cases
How to prepare
Suspend antihistamines 7 days before, corticosteroids per indication, avoid creams on test area. Come with skin free of active lesions.
How the test is done
Drops with several allergens are placed on the arm and small pricks made. If allergic, a red papule appears in 15-20 minutes. Painless and fast.
Interpretation
A positive test without clinical symptoms doesn't equal allergy. The allergist integrates results with clinical history for definitive diagnosis.
Allergy test indications
- Seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis
- Allergic asthma
- Urticaria or anaphylaxis
- Suspected food allergy
- Atopic eczema
- Drug reactions
Do you have allergy symptoms?
The allergology team at Clínica Eupnea offers skin tests, blood work and personalised treatment.
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