top of page
Search

Testing In Diagnosing Allergy

When a patient is being evaluated for allergy, the most important information is the clinical

history of the patient’s symptoms. If the history is suggestive of allergy, confirmation and

identification of the allergens is next. The purpose of allergy testing is to identify a specific

allergen that has resulted in the production of the antibody, IgE. It is the specific IgE antibody

that is responsible for triggering the allergic reaction.


There are two recognized methods for identifying a specific allergy IgE antibody. The most

commonly used by allergists is allergy skin testing. In cases where skin testing in not possible a blood test screening for a panel of allergens can be ordered. Again this blood test is identifying a specific IgE antibody.


Allergy skin testing by allergists consists of prick skin testing and if indicated followed by intradermal skin testing. Both skin tests introduce the suspected allergen to sensitized mast

cells below the surface of the skin. If a specific IgE is on the mast cell, the mast cell will

release histamine and this results in a wheal and flare which is similar to a mosquito bite.

Histamine is the major cause of many allergy symptoms.


As skin testing has been found to be more accurate, immediate with results in 15 minutes and less expensive than the blood test, this is the preferred method of identifying an allergen. In my opinion, allergy skin testing is more relevant as well, as this is a clinical demonstration of a specific allergy to both the allergist and more importantly to the patient than a report from a blood test.


233 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page