Allergy Test

An allergy test is a diagnostic tool used by healthcare professionals to identify allergies. It helps determine the specific allergens or substances that cause allergic reactions in your body. Generally, your allergist will administer controlled amounts of these substances and monitor you for reactions.

When we talk about allergy tests, we refer to different methods doctors use to find out what substances we react to. These tests help identify what causes our sneezing attacks or skin rashes. Here are some popular allergy tests and brief information on how they are conducted:

Skin Prick Test: As the name suggests, this test is performed with light touches on our skin. The doctor places tiny drops of allergens on our arm or back and then gently "pricks" the surface of these drops with a fine needle. If we are allergic to something, the skin can become red and swollen. This test typically gives results within 20-30 minutes.

Patch Test: This is used mainly for diagnosing contact allergies. Small patches filled with allergens are stuck to our skin and left there for a few days. Afterwards, the doctor removes the patches to check for any skin reaction.

Intradermal Test: A preferred method for sensitivities that did not show a reaction in the skin prick test. Here, allergens are given through a very small injection into our skin. This is particularly used for allergies to insect stings.

Blood Tests: In these tests, our blood is examined in the lab for allergic antibodies. This allows the measurement of our sensitivity to many different allergens, offering a broader perspective than skin tests.

Oral Allergy Provocation Test: For meticulously diagnosing food allergies, we slowly and controlledly eat the suspected food to observe how our body reacts. Since this can be somewhat risky, it must be done under medical supervision.

Elimination Diet: If we say, "I don't feel good after eating this food," we temporarily remove it from our diet and then reintroduce it to observe our body's reactions.

The choice of which method to use is decided by our doctor based on the severity and type of our allergic symptoms. Of course, the medications we use and our health conditions are important, as they can affect the results. In any case, having an open dialogue with your doctor and sharing necessary information before undergoing an allergy test is beneficial for your health.

Skin Allergy Tests: Sometimes, our bodies can react differently to certain substances, right? Skin allergy tests are conducted to understand the reason behind these reactions. In these tests, substances that may cause allergies are applied to our skin, and the skin's response to these substances is observed.

There are two well-known types of skin allergy tests: The first one is the "prick test," which is done by slightly piercing the skin. This test is generally performed on the inner side of the arm. The doctor places drops of potential allergens on your skin and then lightly pricks your skin. If you are allergic, reactions such as redness, swelling, or itching may occur in that area.

The second type is the "patch test," which is mainly used to determine if we are allergic to substances that come into contact with our skin. In this test, allergens are placed inside small patches, which are then adhered to your back. These patches stay on your skin for several days. Afterwards, the doctor removes the patches and checks your skin for any reactions.

Both tests help us understand which substances we are allergic to. If an allergic reaction is observed, the doctor can plan a treatment or prevention strategy accordingly. These tests are usually performed by allergy specialists and the results can be quite significant.

Blood Allergy Test: Sometimes our bodies react differently to certain things, and we may wonder, "Do I have an allergy?" This is where the blood allergy test comes into play. This test, which is performed by taking a blood sample, aims to determine if there is an allergy. The main focus in this test is the IgE antibodies in our blood. IgE is a type of antibody that plays a significant role in allergic reactions. If there is a high level of IgE in your blood against a specific allergen, it indicates that you are sensitive to that allergen. Thus, a blood test can help you understand what you are allergic to.

The best part is that this test doesn't require any application or pricking on your skin. Especially for those with sensitive skin or who might react to skin tests, this test can be a great alternative. However, remember that high levels of IgE do not always mean allergic symptoms. Some people may have high levels but do not exhibit allergic reactions. Therefore, your doctor evaluates the test results in conjunction with your medical history and the symptoms you experience.

Firstly, before starting an allergy test, a preliminary consultation is conducted with your doctor. During this consultation, your doctor will ask you questions about your allergy symptoms, health history, and whether there is a history of allergies in your family. This information is crucial in deciding which type of allergy test is suitable for you.

There are generally two types of allergy tests: Skin allergy tests and blood allergy tests.

Skin Allergy Test: In this test, your doctor applies various substances (allergens) that can cause allergies to your skin. One of the most common methods is the "prick test." In this test, allergens are dropped onto your skin, and then the skin is lightly scratched or pricked. This allows the allergens to enter under the skin. If you have an allergic reaction, symptoms such as redness, swelling, or itching can appear in the tested area. This test is usually done on the arm and results can be seen immediately.

Another method is the "patch test," which is especially used to detect skin allergies. In this test, allergen substances are adhered to your skin in the form of patches and left there for several days. After this period, your doctor checks your skin for any reaction.

Blood Allergy Test: In this test, a blood sample is taken to determine allergic reactions. By looking at the IgE antibody levels in your blood, your sensitivity to various allergens is tested. This test is preferred, especially in cases where skin tests are not suitable.

Both tests help you understand which substances you are allergic to. Based on the test results, your doctor can recommend the most appropriate treatment method and ways to avoid allergies. Allergy tests are generally quick and simple procedures, but it's important that they are conducted by an expert doctor for accurate interpretation of the results.

If we're talking about a skin allergy test, this test usually causes very little discomfort. In the prick test, your skin is lightly touched or scratched. This can be thought of as applying a light pressure to the skin. Most people describe it as a mild sting or itch. But generally, this procedure is more uncomfortable than painful.

In the patch test, there is actually no pain or discomfort, as this test does not involve pricking or scratching the skin. The patch test is more about leaving patches adhered to your skin for a while. When it comes to a blood allergy test, whether it hurts or not depends on the discomfort you feel when blood is drawn. A needle is used to draw blood, which can cause a slight pain or discomfort for some people. However, this sensation is usually very brief and tolerable for many people. Allergy tests generally cause little to no pain and are quite tolerable procedures for most individuals.

Allergy tests can be performed at private hospitals, state hospitals, private clinics, university hospitals, or in the allergy and clinical immunology departments of health institutions.