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    Allergy Tests AAAAI

    Uploaded by

    Christopher Carrillo
    Allergy test

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Allergy Tests AAAAI

    Uploaded by

    Christopher Carrillo
    43 views2 pages
    Allergy test

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    © © All Rights Reserved

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    PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

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    Allergy test

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    43 views2 pages

    Allergy Tests AAAAI

    Uploaded by

    Christopher Carrillo
    Allergy test

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    of 2

    ®

    Allergy tests
    When you need them—and when you don’t

    A
    llergy tests may help find allergies to
    things you eat, touch, or breathe in. They
    are usually skin or blood tests.
    However, allergy tests alone are generally
    not enough. It is important to have a doctor’s
    exam and medical history first to help diagnose
    allergies. If the exam and medical history point
    to allergies, allergy tests may help find what you
    are allergic to. But if you don’t have symptoms
    and you haven’t had a medical exam that points
    to an allergy, you should think twice about
    allergy testing. Here’s why:

    Allergy tests, without a doctor’s exam,


    usually are not reliable.
    Many drugstores and supermarkets offer free
    screenings. And you can even buy kits to test Unreliable test results can lead to
    for allergies yourself at home. But the results of unnecessary changes in your lifestyle.
    these tests may be misleading.
    If the test says you are allergic to some foods,
    • The tests may say you have an allergy when such as wheat, soy, eggs, or milk, you may stop
    you do not. This is called a “false positive,” or eating those foods. You may end up with a poor
    false alarm. diet, unnecessary worries and frustration, or
    • These free tests and home tests for food extra food costs. If the test says you are allergic
    allergies are not always reliable. to cats or dogs, you may give up a loved pet.
    And tests for chronic hives—red, itchy, raised So, when should you have allergy tests?
    areas of the skin that last for more than six If you have allergy symptoms, you may get
    weeks—can show something that may not look relief from self-help steps and over-the-counter
    normal but is not a problem. However, this drugs. We talk about these in the “Advice from
    can lead to anxiety, more tests, and referrals to Consumer Reports” section at right. If these
    specialists. steps do not help your symptoms, then it is time
    The wrong test can be a waste of money. to see your doctor.

    Allergy tests can cost a lot. A skin allergy test The doctor should ask you about your medical
    can cost $60 to $300. A blood test can cost history and make sure you get the right tests.
    $200 to $1,000. A blood test for food allergies If your medical history suggests that you
    can cost hundreds of dollars, and testing for have an allergy, your doctor might refer you
    chronic hives can cost thousands of dollars. to an allergist or immunologist (doctors who
    Your health insurance may not cover the costs specialize in allergies) for testing.
    of these tests. And without a doctor’s exam, the • A skin test is the most common kind of allergy
    test may not even tell you what is causing your test. Your skin is pricked with a needle that
    symptoms or how to treat them. contains a tiny amount of something you
    might be allergic to.
    • If you have a rash or take a medicine that
    could affect the results of a skin test, you may
    need a blood test.
    • For chronic hives, you usually do not need
    an allergy test. However, your doctor might
    order tests to make sure that the hives are not
    caused by other conditions, such as a thyroid
    disorder.

    This report is for you to use when talking with your


    healthcare provider. It is not a substitute for medical advice
    and treatment. Use of this report is at your own risk.
    © 2016 Consumer Reports. Developed in cooperation with
    the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.
    To learn more about the sources used in this report and
    terms and conditions of use, visit
    www.choosingwisely.org/patient-resources

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