What Type of Allergy Test Should I Take?

If you’ve never taken an allergy test, maybe you should. When you don’t know what you’re allergic to, you risk exposing yourself to an allergen that could trigger a severe reaction like anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.

Research shows allergies are on the rise and becoming more widespread in the United States. In fact, they’ve doubled in the past twenty years. The cause is unknown, but some suggest that not exposing children to enough food when they’re young could be a factor, while others cite climate change.

Why Should You Get an Allergy Test?

Regardless of the cause behind the increasing prevalence of allergies, it’s important to know your specific allergen triggers so you can make informed decisions about your lifestyle and how it impacts your allergies. However, trying to figure out your allergens on your own can be time-consuming and misleading, especially since you might be allergic to more than one thing.

To avoid any misdiagnoses, you should get an allergy test. An allergy test is a simple, quick way to identify your triggers so you can keep yourself safe and manage symptoms. With allergy testing, you know for certain your specific allergens and can, therefore, better avoid triggers and get more effective allergy treatment.

There are several different types of allergy tests available.

What Are the Types of Allergy Tests?

To determine the best allergy test for you, you need to know your options.

Skin Prick Tests

The skin prick test, also referred to as the scratch test, uses a needle to expose your skin to different allergens. Your doctor places a small amount of an allergen, like pollen, on your skin and then pricks the top layer with a needle. Skin pricks are performed on the back or the forearm, and your allergist often tests multiple allergens at once, usually up to 40! If a reaction appears, you have an allergy to that substance. For those with allergies to various substances, this test is an itchy, uncomfortable experience. The worst part is no antihistamines can be taken for weeks before and during the testing.

Blood Tests

The allergy blood test uses a blood sample to test for the presence of IgE, antibodies produced by the immune system in those who have allergies. After collecting a sample, the lab mixes your blood with different allergens to test for IgE reactions. These blood tests can require multiple vials of blood if done in a walk-in lab. An at-home option using a single finger prick and a few drops of blood is also available.

At-Home Allergy Tests

At Wyndly, we offer inexpensive at-home allergy tests. Our tests allow you to test for a wide range of allergens and discover triggers you may not have suspected. With easy instructions that require only one finger prick, it’s a simple and effective way to get tested for allergies. After testing, you receive a personalized allergy profile that details your allergy triggers so you know exactly what causes your allergy symptoms.

Patch Tests

A patch allergy test is sometimes used when results from a skin prick test or blood test are inconclusive. Similar to skin pricking, a patch containing an allergen is placed on your skin. The patch must be left on for 48 hours. Your allergist then evaluates any reactions after the patch is removed.

Challenge Tests

This allergy test is used for food allergies. While under medical supervision, you ingest a suspected allergen and then wait for any reactions. If any severe reaction occurs, your doctor is there to help. Challenge testing is most often used when a patient is still experiencing symptoms after a blood or skin prick test didn’t provide conclusive results.

What Is the Best Allergy Test?

With the Wyndly at-home allergy tests, you receive all the benefits of allergy testing from the convenience of home. Your at-home allergy test arrives in the mail with detailed instructions. It requires a single finger stick and a few drops of blood. If you have any questions, our allergy specialists are available 24/7 to help with the process. Just call, text, or email for assistance.

Once you’ve completed the test, return it to us in the provided packaging. After it’s been processed by the laboratory, we build a personalized allergy profile to help you understand your allergens and allergy triggers.

Allergy Testing for Kids

Allergy testing in children is crucial. Not only can it save them from a severe reaction later in life, but it can also change their health and quality of life as an adult. Usually, a blood test is easiest for children, as it requires the least discomfort. A single finger prick at-home test is very convenient for a child. Wyndly’s at-home allergy test even comes with candy as a distraction!

Are You Ready to Get Started with Allergy Testing?

Although allergy testing may seem confusing at first, it doesn’t have to be. At Wyndly, we strive to make it a simple and convenient process. Our allergy experts walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, so you can learn your unique allergen profile and discover long-lasting allergy relief.

Get an at-home allergy test now and receive a free physician-reviewed personalized treatment plan. It’s time to find relief from your allergies once and for all!