The only way to treat your allergy symptoms is to determine exactly what is causing them. This is done through a series of allergy tests.
What is an Intradermal Dilution Test?
An intradermal dilution test involves injecting an intradermal wheal, or bleb, directly under the top layer of skin. After 15 minutes any reactions are measured and classified as either positive or negative.
How Does a Blood Test Work?
A blood test is used to measure how much of an allergen-specific antibody, called immunoglobulin E (IgE), is in your blood. The more allergen specific IgE in your blood, the more likely you are to be allergic. Blood tests are typically used to confirm the results of a skin test; they may also be used in lieu of skin tests if a serious allergy makes skin testing unsafe.
How Are Food Allergies Tested?
Food allergies may be tested with a simple blood draw. A blood test is used to measure the amount of allergen specific IgE antibodies present in the blood.
If blood testing comes back negative, an allergist may order additional testing to help narrow down the cause of your symptoms.
Call Eastern Carolina ENT Head & Neck Surgery at 252-752-5227 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
