{"id":193,"date":"2020-12-07T18:02:33","date_gmt":"2020-12-07T23:02:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entalabama.fm1.dev\/allergy-overview\/allergy-testing\/"},"modified":"2021-06-02T13:30:30","modified_gmt":"2021-06-02T17:30:30","slug":"allergy-testing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.entalabama.com\/allergist\/allergy-testing\/","title":{"rendered":"Allergy Testing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
The only way to treat your allergy symptoms is to determine their exact cause; this is accomplished through a series of allergy tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Allergy testing involves either skin or blood tests. Most allergists prefer skin tests because they are safe, inexpensive and offer the most accurate results. There are several methods of testing the skin for allergies. Skin prick testing is the most widely used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In prick testing, several drops of solution containing the suspected allergen are placed on the surface of the skin, usually the forearm or back, and allowed to penetrate. A needle is used to prick or scratch the skin where the drops are placed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your body is allergic to this substance, the immune system will produce molecules called immunoglobulin E. The result is swelling and redness on the skin. It is most often used to test for allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander and food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Modified Quantitative Testing, or MQT, uses a prick test to get an idea of skin reactivity to certain antigens. This test then uses an intradermal test for each antigen at a specific point to help identify the extent of your specific allergy. These tests can vary in their results, and MQT tests use specific quality materials used from certain laboratories. Therefore, they produce testing results that are more accurate and reproducible than common single-stick tests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n