Allergy testing. - Allergies Message Board

crossmyheart<3 · 08-24-2006, 01:07 PM

How do they test you for food allergies?
I got tested at one place for regular allergies and they did a skin test on my arms. But I'm reading about a place where I'm getting my food allergies tested, and it says they skin test on the back? Why?

periwinkle2 · 08-26-2006, 12:41 AM

I had an allergy panel done for foods, trees, animal etc done but they drew my blood for it. It was surprising to see how many foods I was supposed to be allergic to or sensitive to.

Titchou · 08-26-2006, 07:14 AM

I'm given to understand that food allergies are done by blood test. I've been tested for airborne allergies 3 times - twice on the arm and the last time on the back. Said they do it that way so it won;t show afterwards and that there's more room to test for more things if they need to.

crossmyheart<3 · 08-26-2006, 11:41 AM

Okay thank you for your replies. I want a blood test done. The pamphlet the allergist sent me only talks about skin tests, so I'll call and ask about a blood test.

sneezydiva · 08-26-2006, 01:17 PM

My understanding is they have skin tests for allergies, but only the really common ones. Extensive food allergy testing is usually done by bloodwork. I've had the skin tests done both on my arm and my back. If they're testing for a ton of stuff, there is more room on your back.