Allergy Blood Test: Causes, Symptoms, and Results

Are you allergic to certain items or things?

If yes, you need not feel bad about it, as allergies are common in humans. 

Hence, a comprehensive allergy profile test is performed to help you know your chances of risk. A small amount of blood is drawn from your vein to measure the amount of allergen-specific antibodies (IgE) in your blood. 

Now, the question arises: Which allergy blood tests help reveal what triggers your allergy symptoms and help you decide on the best treatment?

9 Common Symptoms Associated with an Allergy: 

1. Stuffy or runny nose 
2. Sneezing 
3. Itchy or watery eyes
4. Diarrhea
5. Vomiting 
6. Shortness of breath
7. Wheezing
8. Coughing 
9. Hives 

Before we discuss allergy blood tests, let’s examine common allergens that cause mild to severe allergy symptoms and can even cause a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock. 

8 common allergens include

1. Pollen and flowers
2. Dust 
3. Dirt
4. Insect bites or stings
5. Mold 
6. Animal dander
7. Food such as fish, nuts, and shellfish 
8. Even medicines such as penicillin 

Putting all your curiosities to an end, below are two types of blood tests for allergies for adults and children. Allergy blood tests may be referred to as:

• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA or EIA): This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in the blood.
• Radioallergosorbent test (RAST): The test looks for antibodies to specific substances and thus confirms what you may be allergic to. 

2 General Types of Allergy Blood Tests

In other words, an allergy blood test measures the antibodies that the blood produces to destroy allergens. These antibodies are called immunoglobulin E (IgE); the test is called specific IgE (sIgE) blood testing. 

Two parameters that are covered in an allergy blood test: 

• Total IgE significantly contributes to screening allergic disease. Although inexpensive, it gives inaccurate results compared to other procedures. 
• Specific IgE: The test presents the IgE levels of particular allergens and items. Nonetheless, sometimes, a separate test is conducted for each allergen that causes allergies. 

Why is an allergy blood test recommended? 

Allergies are common in adults and children. Hence, a blood test is recommended in certain cases when allergy skin tests can’t work despite being far quicker and providing immediate results.

• Allergy blood testing: It is recommended if you have severe skin conditions or an unstable heart. This is especially true for severe eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, or an unstable heart. 
• Can’t tolerate many needles: a blood test is the best way to detect allergies if you can’t tolerate many needle scratches, causing excess pain, scratches, or even bruises at the puncture site.
• Detects poorly controlled asthma: A blood test detects uncontrollable asthma. It will help determine environmental allergens or potential triggers for your problem.
• Extreme reaction to allergy skin testing: If you experience an extreme reaction during skin allergy tests or have a history of anaphylaxis, blood tests for food allergies may be prescribed.
• Monitor treatment response: Your doctor may also order a test to monitor allergy treatments or modifications needed in the treatment strategy.

How can you prepare for an allergy blood test?

The allergy blood test will take only five minutes, but a few simple preparations are required to improve the accuracy of your allergy blood test reports. 

• No fasting is required to measure antibodies in the blood to diagnose infections. You can eat your meals and drink water before the test. 
• Medicines: Consult your doctor before the test if you need to stop taking certain medications, either prescription or over-the-counter. They can interfere with the test results. 
• No alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption before the blood test can affect blood sugar and fat levels. Ensure you avoid it. 
• No exercise: Avoid heavy workouts before the test to prevent hormonal fluctuations. 

What happens after giving a blood sample for an allergy?

Once the blood expert or phlebotomist collects your blood sample, he submits it to the laboratory for analysis. 

Note: There is minimal risk associated with an allergy blood test. Due to needle insertion, you may experience slight pain or a bruise at the puncture spot. Most symptoms disappear quickly. Although rare, if you experience excess bleeding, redness, or a serious condition, contact your healthcare provider immediately for the best medical assistance.

What do the allergy blood test results mean?

An allergy blood test is done to reveal specific items and elements that you may not tolerate. 

• High total IgE test: if a total IgE test result is high, it assures you are allergic to a few things but does not reveal the allergy type. 
• High-specific IgE test: if the particular IgE test result is high, it confirms your allergy to the tested allergen. In other words, your body overreacts to allergens, causing allergic reactions. However, the amount of IgE test measured doesn’t predict the seriousness of your allergy. 

Note: Once your allergy blood test shows that you may have an allergy, you should consult a specialist for a treatment plan. The treatment plan will depend on the type of allergy and its severity. 

Also read: https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/allergy/how-to-prevent-allergies-tips-for-a-healthy-symptom-free-life/ 

5 Helpful Tips to Stay Aware of an Allergic Reaction

Below are some of the tips to keep in mind to refrain from allergic reactions:: 

• Wear a mask: Wear a certified N95 mask in an environment containing pollen or animals. This will prevent these allergens from reaching your respiratory system. 
• Carry an anti-allergy medicine: Always carry an anti-allergy medicine with you to keep yourself protected. 
• Read the ingredients list. The FDA enforces regulations and wants companies to list certain foods or substances that can cause allergic reactions. 
• Early recognition can help: I. Recognizing and learning how to manage allergies caused by different components, such as food, fabrics, animals, or flowers, is vital. 
• Check the ingredients: It is always important to check the ingredients list for allergens if added before buying packaged products. 

What are the advantages and disadvantages of allergy blood tests?

Pros:

• The test can be done anytime, regardless of your medications. 
• It is the best alternative to allergy skin testing, as it involves only one needle stick. This makes it a preferred method for infants and children. 

Cons:

• Unlike skin testing, allergy blood tests are more expensive and thus not included in health insurance coverage. 
• They are less sensitive than skin blood tests. 

Conclusion

This blog is a complete information guide to allergy blood tests for adults and children, including its benefits and more. Do not delay if you doubt some foods or other components are causing your allergies. 

If your healthcare provider has already suggested a complete blood test for allergy or is planning to take one, you can book an allergy blood test online from Redcliffe Labs with home sample collection. 

 Stepwise information on booking a test online from Redcliffe Labs. 

1. Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
2. Browse or search for the specific test you need. 
3. Add the test to the cart. 
4. Complete the payment process online.

Note: You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.

FAQs

1. What are the main components of allergy blood tests?

Foods such as eggs, wheat, peanuts, and cashew nuts are the main components of allergy blood tests. Wool and polyester fabrics can also cause allergic reactions. Flowers and animals can also be used in an allergy profile test. 

2. What are the side effects of allergy blood tests?

Allergy blood tests are comparatively safe, but they can cause certain side effects such as swelling and redness at the puncture site, pain, or bleeding at the site where the needle was inserted. 

3. When is the allergy blood test report available?

The allergy blood test report is typically available within 10 hours from Redcliffe Labs. Call directly or download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book an appointment online. Get tested from the comfort of your room.