Allergy tests

Peculiar skin tests, or, in another way, samples for allergies, are mandatory if the patient has any kind of allergic disease. Tests allow you to pinpoint the source of an allergic reaction by hypersensitivity to various allergens.

[1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]

When are allergy tests scheduled?

Allergy tests are often prescribed for the following conditions:

• pollinosis - a seasonal allergy to pollen. Pollinosis is accompanied by a runny nose, stuffy nose, continuous sneezing, itching in the nose;
• bronchial asthma, causing suffocation, difficulty breathing, dyspnea;
• allergic dermatitis, manifested by skin rashes;
• food allergies, accompanied by skin rashes and itching;
• drug allergy, Quincke's edema, itching, skin rashes;
• allergic rhinitis, causing a runny nose, and allergic conjunctivitis, which is accompanied by lacrimation, itching, redness of the eyes.

Allergy tests: how will it be prepared?

Before the passage of allergic tests the patient must be prepared. From the date of the last allergic reaction to any component should take at least 30 days. You should be prepared for the fact that during an allergy test an unexpected reaction to the allergen may occur, emergency medical care may be required. For this reason, any allergic tests should be carried out exclusively in special medical institutions under the watchful eye of a doctor.

One day before the test for allergy, you must stop taking antiallergic drugs. It is necessary to tune in to the procedure positively, to calm down, since even those methods where subcutaneous injections are used are absolutely painless and bloodless.

There are many contraindications to the allergy test: pregnancy, age over 60 years, taking antiallergic drugs in this period, prolonged hormonal therapy, any acute chronic illness, colds, and allergic aggravation in this period.

[7], [8], [9], [10], [11]

How are allergy tests done?

Allergy tests are conducted by several methods:

1. cutaneous samples in the form of applications. Cotton swab is moistened in an allergen solution and applied to intact skin areas;
2. scarification tests - on the cleansed skin of the forearm, various allergens are applied in the form of drops, and then through them small scratches are made by a disposable scarifier;
3. prik tests are similar to scarification tests, the only difference is that, instead of scratching through drops of allergens, shallow, up to 1 mm, light injections with disposable needles.

At one time, you can put only about 15 allergens. As soluble allergens, flower pollen, food products, herbs, insect venoms, household dust, animal epidermis, drugs, chemical and bacterial preparations, mushrooms, etc. Are used as soluble allergens.

Often, allergy tests are carried out, irritating the skin with the same allergen taken in different concentrations. If a person has an allergic reaction to an allergen, the scratch or the place of injection will begin to turn red, swelling, and skin rashes will appear. Skin tests for allergy are the most common diagnostic methods in allergic practice.

Evaluate skin tests start depending on what kind of allergen was used. The first results can be obtained after 20 minutes, the latter results are estimated after 1-2 days. The patient is given a list of the results of the tests. Opposite to each allergen there can be a record:

• positive;
• negative;
• doubtful;
• weakly positive.

Allergy tests include not only skin tests, but also a blood test that helps the doctor identify the type of allergy. A blood test is shown to any patient, with any forms of allergy.