Photo Credit: Goldmund100
Looking back at my life, and medical history, it is easy to see that I’ve always had really bad allergies. Unfortunately, I was misdiagnosed for most of my childhood. Occasionally the doctor would say I had allergic rhinitis and would prescribe something for temporary relief. For the most part, however, it was brushed over and other explanations were given.
Fortunately, there are allergy tests that can help people like me. There are two types, a skin test and a blood test. I’ve had the skin test and it worked quite well. However, if I’d known there was a blood test option I think I would have given it a try. Why? Because the skin test is time consuming and can be a little uncomfortable. I would definitely go the blood test route for my child. If it showed considerable allergies I’d move on to the skin test if it was needed.
An allergy blood test is a useful alterative to an allergy skin test. The skin test requires patients to refrain from taking allergy medications for 48-72 hours, which can be absolutely miserable for someone with severe allergies. The blood test allows the patient to remain on the medications. It is also a good choice for a person with skin allergies that might make the skin test uncomfortable or difficult to read.
After the blood is drawn and specific antigens are looked for. Unfortunately, the blood test isn’t quite as effective as the allergy skin test. The skin test can also test for a wider variety of allergens, which is helpful if the patient has no idea what all he or she may be allergic to.
Have you had the allergy blood test? What was it like? Have you also had the allergy skin test? How did the two compare in your personal experience?
Wed, Apr 22, 2009
Allergy Tests