A Detailed Overview Of Allergy Tests And Its Types

Allergy tests are used to detect the substances or allergens causing the distressing symptoms of allergic reactions. Before recommending an allergy test, the doctor will also acknowledge your medical history for accurate diagnosis and treatment. These tests can successfully detect whether you’re inhaling, touching, or eating the allergens. 

If you experience any symptoms of allergy such as sore throat, headaches, shortness of breath, hives, itching, sneezing, and nasal congestion then you must contact the best pulmonologist in Siliguri. The doctor will then expose you to some of the suspected allergens to witness your immune reaction. 

Given below are some of the common types of allergy tests that the doctor may recommend. 

Skin Prick Test

A scratch or skin prick test is the best way to detect the trigger-causing allergens. This test is mostly done on the back or forearm, where a small amount of the suspected allergen such as food or pollen is applied by making a small scratch. 

The doctor may also put multiple allergies in one test for a speedy diagnostic procedure. After 15 minutes of the application, the doctor will check for any red bumps or hives. You will be recommended to avoid the food which is causing the symptoms.

Blood (IgE) Test

The allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) test is another effective allergy test, which is done to check the IgE levels in the blood. This test contributes hugely to the effective management and diagnosis of most food allergies. 

In most cases, allergic reactions are caused because of the abnormal response of our immune system and the production of antibodies towards the food. If you have high levels of IgE after consuming a specific food then it indicates allergy. 

Patch Test 

Patch testing is used to investigate and confirm the substances that are causing the symptoms of dermatitis. This test is done by applying patches of diluted allergens on the back for observation for around 96 hours. 

You can visit the best allergy clinic in Siliguri to undergo this test, where the doctor will first indulge in a pre-test consultation to select the most appropriate allergens. In case of a positive reaction towards the substances, the exposed area will look blistered, red, and vesicular. 

Intradermal Skin Test

An Intradermal skin test is mostly recommended when you have symptoms of allergy but the skin prick test results have come negative. In this procedure, a small amount of the selected allergen is inserted into the skin with a needle. 

The doctor will then observe the areas for a while to check for any reactions. This skin test can be associated with certain temporary side effects such as red watery eyes, mild discomfort, skin rash, and itching.

Challenge Tests 

The challenge test is only applicable to those who are suffering from food allergies. During this test, the person is directed to ingest a drug or suspected food to detect an allergic reaction. This process must always be done under the supervision of a doctor as it imposes the risk of severe allergy or anaphylaxis. 

Undergoing any allergy test in Siliguri will help you detect the precise substance causing the symptoms. The allergies that can be identified through the tests include allergic asthma, hay fever, dermatitis, penicillin, food, and bee venom allergy. However, skin tests are the widely used method since it is safe for patients of all age.