Allergy test

What is an allergy test?

An allergy test is a test that is carried out to investigate whether a person suffers from allergies and what kind of allergy it is.

If you suspect that you have an allergy, or have symptoms of an allergy, it is important to see a doctor for a closer examination. If necessary, the doctor will take an allergy test, usually through various blood tests and a prick test. Such tests will be able to help the doctor make a safe diagnosis, so that you can also receive the right treatment after the examination.

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Allergy test - blood test

A blood test measures a type of antibody in your blood, called specific IgE. This protein is responsible for the allergic reactions that occur in the body, and the antibody is produced by your immune system when you are allergic.

When the answer to the blood test is clear, the result will be compared with the allergic symptoms you are experiencing. If you suspect a specific allergy and are tested for suspected or known allergens/antibodies, it may be easier to make a diagnosis.

In the case of an unknown allergy, the test can in some cases be negative even if you are allergic, if it has not been tested for the specific allergen to which you are allergic.

Blood samples are also used to confirm the results of a spot test.

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Allergy test - prick test

Dot test is an allergy test on the skin, where the substances you are allergic to or suspect you are allergic to (allergens) are applied as drops to the skin. The allergen is dripped onto the skin, and then pricked into the skin with a needle. This is done by sticking the needle through the drop and further into the skin.

After 15 minutes, the result is ready. In case of allergy, the skin where the allergen was applied is red and swollen, and it is the outline and size of the swelling that determines whether you are allergic or not. The swelling resembles and is the size of a mosquito bite.

If you do not experience any reaction on the skin where the drops were applied, you are most likely not allergic. However, be aware that a negative prick test (no reaction in the skin) can also be the case because it has not been tested for the allergic substance or substances (allergens) you are actually allergic to.

Please note that allergy tablets (antihistamines) and cortisone, both in the form of tablets, injections and creams/ointments, can also affect the result of a prick test, and should therefore not be ingested, injected or applied in the last weeks before the test is to be taken.

Ask us in LenaPharm or your doctor if you have any questions about allergy testing.

The prick test is most commonly carried out when allergies are suspected to:​

• Pollen

• Dog

• Cat

• House dust mite

• Food allergy

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Who can take a spot test?

A prick test is always carried out by a doctor, but there is no lower age limit. Children of all ages can therefore take a dot test.

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Allergy test - patch test

In the case of eczema caused by a contact allergy, where the source of the contact allergy is unknown, a patch test is used to find the cause of the eczema and the allergy.

In a patch test, you are exposed to plaster patches on the skin, consisting of small amounts of the allergenic substances. The plaster patches usually stay on for 48 hours. During the test, the area where the patches are located (usually the back or upper arm) should not be exposed to water, sweat and sun. Therefore, also avoid physical activity if possible.

After a few days, the skin areas that have been exposed to the allergenic substances are assessed by a doctor. The doctor makes an overall assessment of the results, and possibly initiates preventive measures and treatment if necessary.

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Source: LHL Asthma and allergy, ALK Norway