allergy test results - Allergies Message Board

KN1999 · 05-19-2005, 09:00 PM

I just had some allergy testing the ***** skin tests and then the interveinous one. On the ***** test I noticed some numbers and being overwhelmed I did not get a chance to ask what they ment. Does anyone know?? I am assuming they pertain to severity level, but what is the scale based on?? I had alot of 3+'s and some 4+'s. Is that bad or is it not that bad?? I am asking the doctor next week when I go in for my first round of allergy shots (2 per week for 3 mths then 1 every 2 weeks) but I am hoping to get some answers before then. Thanks!!

Titchou · 05-19-2005, 09:43 PM

Well, not knowing the scale they are using it is a little hard to say. Did they measure the reactions on the skin? If so, then that's usually a measurement of size. And a 3 or 4 mm reaction is not much of one. My smallest was 10 and the largest were off the scale...and I was allergic to everything they tested me for...so after the reactions went away I had to go back a second time for them to break out some of the reactions...I think it was grasses they had to test for each one rather than the "generic" test...And the fact that you can get all the allergens in one injection is also a good indication. Some allergens are different size molecules and they can't mix them with others...meaning you'd get two injections at a time...which I do. All in all, it sounds pretty good...though I am surprised he'd start you on the shots during a full blown season...but perhaps the fact that your reactions may have been small is the reason. This time and the time before when I went on the injections I had to wait till it was more or less non-allergy season for me which means November. Did they say how long you would be one them? I'll be five years in December this time and get to stop at that point...YEA!!!!!!!!!!! Good luck!

KN1999 · 05-19-2005, 09:54 PM

He mentioned that they are recommended to be given for 5 years. I am assuming that is how long. All questions I am going to ask, just did not ask on Tuesday!! You know....the brain was on overload!! Thanks!!

sneezydiva · 05-19-2005, 10:31 PM

The skin ***** test doesn't report the results in mm. I had welts the size of half dollars, but the scale used is 1-4. So a 4+ reaction is the highest, and a 3+ is the second highest. My doctor joked that some of mine were 7+, but on my report they are all 4+. So it means your results were not small at all and you are highly allergic, and it sounds like you really need those shots.

Titchou · 05-20-2005, 05:59 AM

Interesting...my last test was 5 years ago and I go to an immunologist so maybe he does it differently. And I don't recall that I was ever told the name of the test...just allergy test. From what I've heard the scratch test is more accurate than the blood test....although I am sure there are those who would argue the point.