Laboratory tests are accurate, convenient and have a broader range of allergens than the skin tests. It is possible to test for allergy to over 300 environmental substances in the laboratory. Laboratory test are also more suitable for small babies and patients with eczema in whom skin tests are difficult to perform. The costs of laboratory tests can be greatly reduced by using screening panels of appropriate individual RAST tests. Skin Tests Return to Top Skin tests can be performed by your doctor in his rooms or at an allergy clinic of a hospital.
Skin tests are painless and give a quick result.
It is important that you stop your usual anti-histamine treatments at least 48 hours before skin tests are done, since these may block the results. It is dangerous to skin tests are done, since these may block the results. Interpretation of Test Results Return to Top Skill is required to interpret skin tests and the results of laboratory allergy tests, and this should always be done by an expert. In most instances the result of the skin or laboratory test will fit the clinical picture, particularly with inhaled or infected allergens. However, interpretation of the results of food allergy testing is a little more difficult and in some cases the results of laboratory and skin tests will only serve as a guide to identify the causative food trigger confirmation of the allergy will have to be obtained using a food challenge.