Allergy Tests (Outline) | Aster Labs

Allergy Tests Overview

Allergy tests are prescribed to identify the various allergens that might affect a person. From pet dander to peanuts, several allergens can cause symptoms ranging from rashes across the body to severe symptoms like anaphylactic shock. Allergic reactions can be severe and even lead to a person’s death if they are left unchecked. Allergy tests aim to identify these allergens and offer patients preventive care or symptomatic treatment based on the type of allergy presented. Different allergy tests are performed at Aster Labs, including food allergen tests or allergen specific IgE tests, based on the patient’s needs.

Why Are Allergy Tests Prescribed?

Allergy tests can be prescribed both based on the symptoms presented by patients or as a part of regular health checkups. These tests are often necessary for patients with certain conditions like asthma, as allergic reactions can cause symptoms of asthma to worsen and create respiratory troubles for patients. Certain symptoms that warrant doctors to prescribe an allergy test include hives, rashes, redness of the skin, watery eyes that itch, nasal congestion, sore throat, and difficulty breathing.

At Aster Labs, we ensure that allergy tests are performed accurately to flag necessary allergens and help patients get the required treatment. The reporting time can differ based on the type of allergy test, namely food intolerance test or allergen specific IgE test. If you are getting a symptomatic allergy test, you must check with your doctor and get the necessary treatment options while waiting for the results.

How Are Allergy Tests Performed?

Allergy tests are generally performed as blood tests with blood samples being collected from the veins in the arms of the patient. Doctors prepare the area with rubbing alcohol or an antiseptic liquid and ask the patient to clench their fist tightly. A syringe with a needle on top is then inserted to draw blood for the test. The drawn blood is stored in an airtight vial and sent for testing.

There are other food intolerance tests that are performed in the doctor’s office itself. These tests involve using pricks of allergens directly on the skin. If patients have an allergy to that particular allergen, a rash or common symptoms like watery eyes, itchy skin, and nasal congestion can develop. This helps doctors identify the allergens that affect a patient and create an extensive list. In some cases, these skin tests can lead to serious allergic symptoms, which is why these tests are performed under medical supervision to ensure patient safety.

Home Sample Collection

To help patients go through allergy tests comfortably, we at Aster Labs offer a home sample collection option. Patients can comfortably go through the blood sample collection process in the comfort of their homes with minimal risks. For more information about home sample collection or allergy test costs, check with your local Aster Labs diagnostic centre.

How To Prepare For Allergy Tests?

Allergy tests generally do not require any special prerequisites. However, doctors may recommend the patient stop taking allergy medications like antihistamines at least three to seven days before the test to ensure the medication doesn’t interfere with the test process.

What Do Allergy Test Results Mean?

Allergy tests present their results as either negative or positive. A negative result means the patient is not allergic to that specific allergen, and a positive result means the patient is allergic. Based on the test results, doctors create treatment plans and offer preventive healthcare advice to patients to protect them against severe allergic reactions.