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When it comes to finding out what you’re allergic to, there are two main
tests that can pinpoint the culprit(s). Here’s how they stack up:
| ALLERGY SKIN TESTING |
THE BLOOD TEST (aka RAST) |
| How it works: In a skin-prick test, the doctor places a tiny amount of dozens of possible allergens on the skin, then pricks the skin to let the allergens sink in. The doctor then looks for an immediate reaction in the form of an itchy, red, hive-like spot. In intradermal testing, the doctor injects the allergens directly. |
How it works: A sample of your blood is sent to a lab to see whether it contains antibodies to specific allergens. |
| Pros: The results are obtained within 15 minutes, and the intradermal test is more sensitive to milder allergies. |
Pros: One stick of the needle is all it takes to diagnose an array of potential allergies. |
| Cons: The pricking process causes some discomfort, and there’s a remote possibility of a severe allergic reaction. |
Cons: It takes several days to get the results; this test is less sensitive to minor allergies and is considerably more expensive. |
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Editor Elinor Nauen | Design Segal Savad Design
