Identifying your child's allergy triggers is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan. Our pediatric allergists will test your child for multiple allergy conditions through skin pricks, blood test and oral food challenge tests. The tests check your child's response to allergens and show their allergies.
Pediatric Allergy Testing
There are three common tests your child's allergy provider might use:
Skin Test
For this test, the provider will put a small amount of an allergen on your child's skin, then perform a superficial prick or scratch to the area. If the pricked area rises up like a mosquito bite, it means your child is allergic to the allergen. This method tests many allergens at once and give results the same day of your visit.
Blood Test
If your child's allergist determines a skin test cannot be performed, a blood test is the next option. Blood tests measure the allergy specific immune cells to certain allergens in your child's blood, called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
Challenge Test
The challenge test is most often performed for food and medication allergies and is done under close medical supervision. For this test, your child will inhale or consume a small amount of the allergen. The challenge test helps your provider determine whether your child is truly allergic to a specific item.