| My child has frequent "colds" and the pediatrician has recommended allergy testing. What are these tests and what is involved? | |
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Allergy testing is best done through skin testing. A skin test involves applying tiny drops of allergens to the back or forearm and pressing the skin with an instrument to ensure a tiny amount of each substance can react with the skin. Skin testing is not the same as getting a shot, but they are uncomfortable. After a 15-minute wait an itchy "mosquito bite" or small hive where the allergen was applied is a positive skin test; each reaction is measured and recorded.
A screening blood test, referred to as RAST (radioallergosorbent test), can be used when preferred or if the child has a skin disorder or is on medication preventing skin testing. Blood is taken from a vein in the arm and analyzed to see if the blood contains abnormally high levels of antibody to certain allergens. Unfortunately, the RAST is less sensitive than the skin test. The benefit of skin testing is to confirm a diagnosis of allergy and pinpoint specific allergens causing symptoms. |
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