There are two standard ways to test for allergies: a skin prick test or a blood test. For a skin prick test, an allergist pricks your skin with allergens in different places to see how you react to each allergen. A blood test, also known as a RAST (Radio-Allergo-Sorbent Test), measures the IgE antibody concentrations in your blood.
The skin prick test is generally known to be less expensive than a blood sample test, but the expense may depend on your health insurance coverage. Skin prick tests can cost between $300–$600, while a blood test can cost up to $1,000.
Traditionally, both a skin prick and a blood test have required a visit to a physician’s office. The skin prick test cannot be done without a physician because an immediate reaction could occur if you’re allergic to any of the allergens included on the test. Another limitation of the skin prick is that you can’t be on antihistamines prior to testing because antihistamines block the physical response that occurs when you’re exposed to an allergen, which is ultimately what a skin prick test is trying to measure. This type of testing also isn’t ideal if you have skin issues, such as eczema, because it limits where your skin can be pricked.
A blood test is a great alternative if you routinely take medications to alleviate allergy symptoms or want to avoid the discomfort that can come with a skin prick test. Our test offers an added convenience; you can measure your IgE levels without having to go to your doctor’s office. The laboratory will test your blood sample against different allergens and measure the amount (or concentration) of antibodies produced. Taking antihistamines won’t affect your test results because the test measures antibodies levels, not how your body physically reacts. A blood test is also less invasive compared to the skin prick test because you won’t be directly exposed to the allergens. Although reactivity level can’t predict how you will respond to the allergen, this information is a good step toward understanding which allergens may be causing unwanted symptoms, so you can better prepare for the season and reduce allergen exposure in your home.
Our at-home test is comparable to the standard RAST blood allergy testing described above. This is a great option if you would want to test your IgE levels from the convenience of your own home. Many of the allergens included on this panel are among the most common indoor and outdoor allergens in the United States. Although reactivity level can’t predict how you will respond to the allergen, this information is a good step toward understanding which allergens may be causing unwanted symptoms, so you can better prepare for the season or make improvements to your home.