What is an Allergy Blood Test?
Immunoglobulin E (IgE), a component found in your blood, is measured during an allergy blood test. Your body produces the antibody IgE. You could have higher levels of IgE in your blood than usual if you have allergies.
Common Allergy Symptoms
- The immune system is prone to allergies, which are a prevalent disorder.
- It mistakenly perceives harmless substances, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or certain foods, as threats.
- Consequently, the immune system generates Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response to these allergens.
- The release of histamine and other chemicals is triggered by IgE antibodies, resulting in allergy symptoms.
- Sneezing, itching, a runny or stuffy nose, watery eyes, hives, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis are common allergy symptoms.
- Allergies can either be seasonal, occurring during specific times of the year due to pollen, or perennial, persisting year-round due to indoor allergens.
- Specific allergens can be identified through allergy testing, such as skin prick tests or blood tests.
- Treatment options for allergies encompass avoiding allergens, utilizing medications like antihistamines and decongestants, receiving allergy shots (immunotherapy), and in severe cases, administering emergency epinephrine injections for anaphylaxis.
Other names: other names of this test are Quantitative IgE, IgE allergy test, Immunoglobulin E, Total IgE, Specific IgE, RAST, CAP, ELISA.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second Opinion
What is the Use of Allergy Blood Test?
Blood tests for allergies are performed to determine whether you have an allergy. The two main types of allergy blood testing are:
- A total IgE test: To determine the overall concentration of IgE antibodies in your blood, a total IgE test is done.
- A specific IgE test: How much IgE your body produces in reaction to a particular allergen is determined by a specific IgE test. Each allergen that could be the source of your allergies is subjected to a separate test.
Benefits of Allergy Blood test
Benefits of blood test for allergies offers several benefits, includes:
- Accurate Results: Blood tests measure IgE antibodies, providing a reliable indication of allergic sensitivities to specific substances like food, pollen, or pet dander.
- Comprehensive Testing: They can detect a wide range of allergies, including environmental, food, and insect venom allergies, offering a more thorough evaluation.
- No Need for Stopping Medications: Unlike skin tests, blood tests can often be done without needing to stop antihistamines or other medications, making it easier for individuals currently managing allergies with medication.
- Suitable for Sensitive Individuals: Blood tests are ideal for people who cannot undergo skin testing, such as those with certain skin conditions or who are at risk of severe allergic reactions.
Why do I require a Blood Test for Allergies?
If you experience allergy symptoms, your doctor may ask for allergy testing. These consist of the following:
If you cannot have allergy skin testing, your doctor may request a blood test for skin allergy. A skin test includes injecting or applying allergens directly to your skin. Skin testing might not be an option for you if you:
- I have some skin conditions.
- Take certain medications that might affect the test results.
- Are suspected to have a severe allergic reaction to the allergens used in skin testing.
Young children may require allergy blood tests in some circumstances since skin testing may be too unpleasant for them.
What happens during an allergy blood test?
During an allergy blood test, a healthcare provider will take a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood is tested for Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to check for allergies to things like pollen, pet dander, food, or mold. It's a quick and safe procedure, usually with minimal discomfort.
How do you Prepare for the Allergy Blood Test?
When preparing for an allergy blood test, consult your healthcare provider first. You may need to halt certain medications beforehand for accurate results. Mention recent illnesses, allergies, or medical conditions that may impact the test. Bring a list of your current medications.
On the test day, keep hydrated, avoid caffeine and alcohol. Stay calm before the test to reduce stress which can affect the blood test results
Is there any Risk associated with the Allergy Blood Test?
Allergy blood tests are generally safe and carry minimal risk. However, in rare cases, you might experience:
- Bruising or soreness at the blood draw site.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness during or after the test.
- Infection at the needle site, though this is sporadic.
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an Appointment
What do the Findings Imply?
- You may have an allergy if your total IgE test result is high. A total IgE test, however, does not reveal what you are allergic to or the potential severity of your allergy.
- A high IgE test result for a particular allergen indicates that you could be allergic to that allergy. The quantity of IgE cannot predict the severity of your allergy detected.
- Your healthcare practitioner may suggest a course of therapy or send you to an allergy expert if the findings of either type of test indicate that you may have an allergy. Your allergy triggers and the severity of your symptoms will determine your treatment plan.
- You must be very careful to avoid the substances you are allergic to if you are at risk for anaphylactic shock. An epinephrine auto-injector, an emergency treatment, may need to be carried by you at all times. The most frequent causes of anaphylactic shock include allergies to specific foods, medications, insect bites, and latex.
- Ask your doctor if you have any concerns about your test findings or your allergy treatment Plan and whether you are in danger of anaphylactic shock.
What is Essential information about the Allergy Blood Test?
Blood testing for allergies might not always be reliable. When you don't have an allergy, the findings can indicate that you do (also known as a false positive). This could occur if you ate particular meals before the test and your body reacts mildly to certain ingredients. Rarely will a blood test reveal that you don't truly have an allergy when you do (also known as a false negative).
Depending on your medical history and symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an allergy skin test along with an allergy blood test or only a skin test.