The pros and cons of blood testing and skin testing for allergies

A blood test can help doctors determine which irritants you're allergic to.

If you have allergies, it’s important to determine what exactly it is that is causing you to suffer. One way to do this is to undergo an allergy test, which typically comes in two different forms: blood tests and skin tests.

“Once you […] find what you’re allergic to, an allergist can create a plan of attack that includes avoidance or reducing your exposure with lifestyle changes and simple at-home steps, medications (either over-the-counter or prescription), immunotherapy and allergy shots,” states the Mother Nature Network.

According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) each method of testing has its own pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Blood tests:
• Are not affected by medications
• Are simple, as they involve only one needle prick
• Are typically more expensive than skin tests
• Take a while to process, so the patient may have to wait a long time for results.

Skin tests:
• Are more cost-effective than blood tests
• Can be dependent on the skill of the tester
• Can be hard to read if the patient has dark skin
• May be affected by certain medications
• Tend to be difficult on children
• Yield fast results.

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for allergies, so even after you’ve been tested and have received a specialized treatment plan from your physician, you’ll still have to be cognizant of avoiding triggers and managing your symptoms. There are certain devices that are effective at limiting exposure to irritants, such as home air purifiers.

Visit the Air Purifiers Direct 2U website today to read air purifier reviews and find out which product is best for you.