Get Answers to Your Allergy Testing Questions! ❓🔬

At Allergy Diagnostics Lab, we understand that allergy testing can be overwhelming. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about our services, procedures, and results.

🩺 General Questions

1️⃣ What is an allergy?

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance (allergen) such as pollen, food, or dust mites. This can cause symptoms like sneezing, rashes, itching, or breathing difficulties.

2️⃣ Who should get an allergy test?

You should consider allergy testing if you experience:
✅ Frequent sneezing, coughing, or nasal congestion
✅ Skin rashes, redness, or itching
✅ Digestive issues after eating certain foods
✅ Shortness of breath or wheezing
✅ Swelling after insect bites or medication intake

3️⃣ What types of allergy tests do you offer?

We offer:
🩹 Skin Prick Test (SPT) – Identifies allergies by applying allergens to the skin.
💉 Intradermal Test – Injects allergens under the skin for a deeper reaction analysis.
🩸 IgE Blood Test – Measures allergy-specific IgE antibodies in the blood.
📋 Patch Test – Identifies delayed allergic reactions, often for skin allergies.

🧪 Testing Process

4️⃣ Is allergy testing painful?

Allergy tests involve minimal discomfort. Skin prick tests may cause mild itching, while intradermal tests involve a small injection that may cause slight irritation.

5️⃣ How long does the allergy test take?

✅ Skin Prick Test: 15-30 minutes
✅ Intradermal Test: 20-40 minutes
✅ IgE Blood Test: 5-10 minutes for sample collection
✅ Patch Test: Requires monitoring over 48-72 hours

6️⃣ Do I need to stop taking medications before my test?

Yes, antihistamines and steroids can interfere with allergy test results. You may need to stop taking them at least 5-7 days before testing (consult your doctor before discontinuing any medication).

📊 Test Results & Interpretation

7️⃣ How soon will I get my results?

✅ Skin Prick & Intradermal Tests: Immediate results (within 30 minutes)
✅ IgE Blood Test: 24-48 hours
✅ Patch Test: 48-72 hours

8️⃣ What does a positive allergy test mean?

A positive test indicates that your immune system reacts to a particular allergen. The severity of your allergy is determined by the size of the reaction (skin test) or the IgE antibody levels (blood test).

9️⃣ Can I have a positive test but no symptoms?

Yes! Some people may test positive for an allergen but not experience any symptoms. This is why results should always be interpreted alongside your medical history.

🔟 What if my test results are negative, but I still have allergy symptoms?

A negative test result means no IgE-mediated allergy was detected. However, you may have non-IgE-mediated reactions (like food intolerance) or other underlying conditions that need further investigation.

💊 Treatment & Management

1️⃣1️⃣ What are my treatment options if I test positive for allergies?

Treatment options include:
✔ Avoidance Strategies – Minimizing exposure to allergens.
✔ Medications – Antihistamines, nasal sprays, or corticosteroids.
✔ Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Sublingual Tablets) – Long-term desensitization therapy.

1️⃣2️⃣ Can allergies be cured?

There is no permanent cure for allergies, but treatments like immunotherapy can help reduce your sensitivity and symptoms over time.