Skin allergy tests are the primary method of diagnosing a wide range of allergic conditions. Requiring only a brief appointment with your Atlanta area allergist, skin allergy testing produces fast and dependable evaluations of hay fever, insect stings, pet dander and food allergies. But with various testing services available, including professional diagnosis and at-home test kits, what is the most effective approach? Let’s take a closer look at the success rates of skin allergy tests.
Should I Get a Skin Allergy Test From My Allergist?
Skin prick allergy testing is a quick way for an allergist to diagnose the precise cause of a reaction. After a consultation to discuss symptoms and medical history, your allergist exposes the top layer of the skin to a series of allergens. By gently pricking the surface of the skin, it is possible to see if a raised red bump appears, signaling an allergy. The entire process usually takes less than an hour.
One meta-study published in the National Library of Medicine looked into skin prick testing for allergic rhinitis. The pooled results showed sensitivity and specificity for skin-prick testing were 85% and 77%. A further study in the Clinical and Translational Allergy Journal found that skin prick testing is safe, reliable, minimally invasive and inexpensive.
Are At-Home Skin Allergy Tests Effective?
The Clinical and Translational Allergy study also points out that while the skin allergy test indicates sensitization to a specific allergen, it still requires analysis based on medical history and clinical symptoms. In essence, a skin prick allergy test diagnoses many allergies, but the results require interpretation from an experienced allergy doctor.
When considering at-home skin allergy kits that promise to test for a wide variety of allergens, it’s important to understand the importance of involving an allergy doctor. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (AAAI) recommends against using these tests, as there is no scientific proof of their ability to identify specific foods to avoid.
In addition, a study published by Wiley Online Library identified that many direct-to-consumer allergy kits were not using accredited laboratories. Sadly, tests that don’t meet rigorous standards could risk an individual’s health, and even lead to a dangerous allergic reaction.
Skin Allergy Testing With an Experienced Allergist
When directed by an experienced allergist, skin prick testing is a dependable process that offers crucial information to assist with a diagnosis. Occasionally results may not be clear, but your allergist has additional options, such as blood testing, to obtain clarity and further information. Ultimately, allergy testing is a highly effective process when conducted in an allergist’s office – and a crucial first step in treating allergies.
Professional Skin Allergy Testing Services in the Atlanta Area
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides fast and effective allergy testing services. Our skin allergy tests are conducted in our welcoming centers in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. For assistance, call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.