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If you have allergies, you’re in good company. Tens of millions of Americans have some kind of allergy they must manage. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily make coping with your symptoms and risks any easier. By undergoing testing, you can determine precisely what you’re allergic to so you can take steps for both preventing and treating reactions. Here, a friendly family doctor from Kenai, AK’s MediCenter explains how allergy testing works.

What Happens During Allergy Testing?

Allergy specialists can make diagnoses using skin tests or blood tests. Each has its advantages. For example, skin tests are typically more affordable and provide faster results, while blood tests are more accurate in the presence of certain medications and only require a single prick. 

During a skin test, the provider will expose a small patch of skin—typically on the forearm or back—to a suspected allergen. If the patient is allergic, the skin will begin to appear red and swollen at the site. In some cases, the allergen may need to be injected into the skin. Either way, reactions will usually appear within 20 minutes. 

Blood testing, on the other hand, does not expose the patient to allergens directly. Instead, a blood sample is taken and tested for certain antibodies. Because the testing is done in a lab, it can take days or weeks to receive the results. 

What Will the Results Reveal? 

family doctorA skin test can help providers diagnose various food allergies, as well as hay fever, allergic asthma, and dermatitis. It can also reveal an allergy to bees, penicillin, or latex. Blood tests can provide similar results and help physicians diagnose allergies to molds, pollens, animal dander, foods, and some medicines. 

If you need allergy testing, turn to a family doctor at MediCenter. From their multiple convenient locations, this clinic provides comprehensive care for patients of all ages throughout Kenai and Soldotna, AK. In addition to allergy testing, they offer everything from pain management and nutritional counseling to urgent care and physical therapy. To make an appointment with a compassionate and knowledgeable family doctor on their team, visit their website or call (907) 283-9118. 

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