Allergy Testing (Immunology)
Body Area: Skin / Blood
Body Parts: Skin
Symptoms: Skin Peeling and/or Cracking
Description:
Allergy testing can be done two different ways through the skin or blood. Usually the skin tests are the least expensive and carry the quickest results. The skin prick test (aka the scratch test) is done by putting a small amount of a probable allergen on the skin then scratching the skin. The Intradermal test is when possible allergens are injected into the skin. The skin patch test is when a skin patch with allergens is placed on the skin for 24 to 72 hours. The blood test looks for antibodies, it is best for people who cannot have skin tests.