The Ultimate Guide to Allergy Testing: Types, Procedures, and Results Explained

How many of us brush off a sneeze, thinking it is just a seasonal change?

We often ignore such signs, hoping it is nothing serious. But a sudden sneeze, skin rash, or itch may be more than just a passing phase; they could be early signs of an allergy.

Recognising allergies early is crucial. Timely identification can help prevent serious allergic reactions or even the progression of allergies into conditions like asthma, a phenomenon known as atopic march. In this blog, let us understand the importance of allergy testing, explore why early detection matters, and look at the different types of allergy tests available. Read on to learn more!

What Are Allergies?

Allergies occur when the immune system reacts to a foreign substance known as an allergen. In response, the body’s defence system quickly releases antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which are specific to that allergen. This immune reaction can trigger various symptoms such as inflammation, respiratory tract irritation, or gastrointestinal (GI) issues, depending on the type and severity of the allergy.¹

What Is Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing helps identify substances called allergens that trigger allergic reactions in your body. These reactions can range from sneezing and rashes to more serious conditions like asthma or anaphylaxis.

By pinpointing what you are allergic to, your healthcare provider can create a personalised treatment plan. This may include:²

• Avoiding known allergens
• Prescribing medications to ease symptoms
• Recommending allergy shots (immunotherapy) for long-term relief

Allergy testing is commonly used to diagnose:

• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Allergic asthma
• Dermatitis (eczema)
• Food allergies
• Penicillin allergy
• Bee venom allergy etc.

Significance Of Allergy Testing

Many people tend to overlook the fact that allergies can be serious. In reality, allergies can lead to significant health issues if left undiagnosed or untreated. When a person is repeatedly exposed to an allergen, and the allergy goes unnoticed, it may progress through a series of stages known as the atopic march. This progression often starts with mild symptoms like a skin rash, but over time, it can develop into more complex conditions such as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and eventually asthma. It is important to note that not all allergies lead to asthma, but recognising and managing them early can significantly reduce the risk of such progression.³

What Are The Different Types Of Allergy Testing?

There are several methods available to diagnose allergic reactions. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will recommend the most suitable type of allergy test. Common allergy testing methods include:⁴

Skin Prick test:

The skin prick test is one of the most used methods to identify allergies. It helps detect allergies to substances like pollen, pet dander, mould, certain foods, and medications (like penicillin).

How does it work?

Your healthcare provider will place tiny drops of various potential allergens on your forearm or back. Then, using a thin needle or special device, they gently prick or scratch the skin so the allergen can enter just below the surface.

If you're allergic to any of the substances, a reaction such as redness, itching, or raised bumps called wheals usually appears within 15 minutes.

This test is safe, quick, and highly effective in identifying airborne, food, and drug allergies. Plus, it does not require any needles to inject substances under the skin, making it less invasive and more comfortable for most people.⁴

Intradermal Skin Test

If your skin prick test results are negative or unclear, your doctor may recommend an intradermal skin test for more accurate results, especially when testing for airborne allergens, insect stings, or medication allergies.

In this test, a small amount of the suspected allergen is injected just under the surface of your skin (into the epidermis) using a very fine needle. The test is usually done on the forearm.

After the injection, your healthcare provider will monitor the area for a reaction—typically looking for redness, swelling, or a small raised bump (called a wheal), which may appear within 15–20 minutes.

This test is more sensitive than the skin prick test, meaning it can detect even very mild allergic reactions. However, because of this sensitivity, it may also have a slightly higher chance of false positives and is usually done under close supervision.⁴

Patch Test:

The patch test is commonly used to diagnose contact dermatitis, a type of skin allergy caused by direct contact with substances like cosmetics, detergents, metals (like nickel), or fragrances.

How does it work?

Your healthcare provider will place small amounts of allergens directly onto your skin, usually on your back and cover the area with a patch or bandage. Each patch contains a different potential allergen.

You will need to keep the patches on for 48 to 96 hours, avoiding activities like heavy sweating or showering during this time. When you return to the clinic, your provider will remove the patches and check for any skin reactions, such as redness, swelling, or a rash.

Unlike skin prick or intradermal tests, the patch test detects delayed allergic reactions, which can take days to appear.⁴

Blood (IgE) Test:

The IgE blood test is a helpful option when skin testing is not possible or safe, especially for people with skin conditions, young children, or those taking medications that interfere with skin tests.

In this test, your healthcare provider draws a small sample of your blood and sends it to a lab. The lab then adds specific allergens to your blood sample to check for a reaction by measuring the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) , the antibody your immune system produces in response to allergens.

There are two types of IgE tests:

• Total IgE Test: Measures the overall level of IgE antibodies in your blood. A higher-than-normal result may suggest an allergy, but it does not pinpoint what you are allergic to.
• Specific IgE Test: Measures the amount of IgE produced in response to a particular allergen, such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or certain foods. ⁴

This test is a safe, quick, and convenient way to screen for a wide range of allergies through a simple blood draw – no skin pricking required.

Understanding Your Allergy Test Results

Once your allergy test is done, your results will fall into one of two categories:

• Negative Result:
  This means you are not allergic to the tested substance.False negatives (where the test misses a real allergy) are rare, especially with skin tests.
• Positive Result:
  This means the test detected an allergic response to the substance.
  However, a positive result does not always mean you will react in real life. Some people show sensitivity on tests but never experience symptoms.
  False positives (where the test suggests an allergy you do not actually have) are more common with blood (IgE) tests ⁴

Why Choose LifeCell Diagnostics?

Accurate and early diagnosis is essential for effective management of allergies and asthma, helping prevent complications and improving quality of life. At LifeCell Diagnostics, we offer the Allergy Comprehensive Panel and Asthma/Rhinitis Panel advanced diagnostic solutions that include:

• Comprehensive Allergy Panel – Detects a wide range of allergens to identify specific triggers causing your symptoms.
• Asthma/Rhinitis Panel – Assesses key markers related to asthma and allergic rhinitis, helping guide precise treatment.

This thorough testing approach enhances diagnostic accuracy, supports early intervention, and enables personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs.

With allergies and asthma affecting millions worldwide, LifeCell Diagnostics empowers healthcare providers with reliable results to make informed decisions and deliver improved patient outcomes.

Conclusion:

Recognising and diagnosing allergies early can make all the difference in managing symptoms effectively and preventing more serious health issues like asthma. Allergy testing helps pinpoint the exact triggers, enabling your healthcare provider to tailor treatment plans that improve your quality of life. With a variety of reliable testing options available—ranging from skin prick tests to blood (IgE) tests—accurate diagnosis is now easier and more accessible than ever.

At LifeCell Diagnostics, our comprehensive allergy and asthma panels provide precise, early detection to guide personalised care. Don’t let allergies control your life or escalate into chronic conditions. Take charge of your health today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you test for an allergy?

Allergy testing involves exposing your body to small amounts of potential allergens to see if there is a reaction. Common methods include skin prick tests, intradermal tests, patch tests, and blood (IgE) tests. Your healthcare provider will recommend the best test based on your symptoms and medical history. ⁴

What is the cost of an allergy test?

The cost of allergy testing varies depending on the type of test and the number of allergens tested. At LifeCell Diagnostics, we offer comprehensive panels designed to provide detailed insights at budget-friendly prices. Contact us directly for specific pricing and packages.

What are four types of allergy testing?

The four common types of allergy tests are: ⁴

• Skin Prick Test
• Intradermal Skin Test
• Patch Test
• Blood (IgE) Test

Can allergies be cured?

Allergies cannot be completely cured, but their symptoms can be managed effectively. Treatment options include avoiding allergens, medications, and immunotherapy (allergy shots), which may reduce sensitivity over time.

How accurate are blood tests for allergies?

Blood tests for allergies are generally accurate and useful, especially when skin tests are not suitable. However, they may sometimes produce false positives, so results are best interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and other tests.⁵