How Allergy Testing Can Help YOU!

by Dr. Brie Woodruff

Spring is here! For many people, with all the beautiful blooms and blossoms also comes dreaded allergy symptoms- itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, hives, cough, asthma/wheezing.  If you experience any of these symptoms, you might want to consider allergy testing.

What is Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing is a way to measure your sensitivity to various substances that trigger allergies.  There are two primary ways to test for allergies: skin testing and blood testing. 

1. Blood testing: The advantage of blood testing is that it can be done by a single blood draw but the downsides are that the results can take up to two weeks to return, and it is not as sensitive and accurate as skin testing. Blood testing can often result in false positives (says you are allergic to something when you are not) and false negatives (says you are not allergic to something when you are).

2. Skin testing: Skin testing involves placing a tiny amount of allergens on the skin and observing for reaction (hives/itching). This test is more sensitive than blood testing and patients receive results in real time (during their appointment).  Skin testing does NOT involve needles, when allergens are placed it feels more like velcro being pushed into your skin.  The most uncomfortable part is due to itching from allergens you react to.  We offer skin allergy testing in the office and it tests for 72 different allergens! Appointments take only 45 minutes.

What are the Benefits of Allergy Testing?

The most valuable benefit of allergy testing is determining which triggers are causing your body to overreact and cause you to suffer from allergy symptoms.  Knowing this information can help you and your provider come up with an effective treatment plan.

What happens after testing?

Depending on your results there are many options for the treatment and prevention of allergies. These may include reducing exposure to allergens (for example, keeping windows closed when pollen is high, removing carpet if you react to dust, getting HEPA filters, etc).  Treatment may also include taking anti-histamines during certain times of year.  In more severe cases, especially when allergies are impacting your quality of life and ability to function sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) or subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be considered.

 Is allergy testing covered by insurance?

Allergy testing is generally well covered by insurance!  Check with your plan to see specifics.

Want to learn more?

If you are interested in learning more about what is causing your allergies and ways you can minimize exposure, prevent and treat your allergies schedule a visit with us here!

see you in clinic,

Dr. Woodruff

References:

American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Allergy Testing (https://www.aaaai.org/tools-for-the-public/conditions-library/allergies/allergy-testing). Last reviewed 9/2020. Accessed 2/16/2024.

Birch K, Pearson-Shaver AL. Allergy Testing. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: NCBI - WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic