What is allergy laboratory (lab) testing, and why might I need it?

Allergy lab testing is one of many ways available to identify your allergies. It involves getting your blood drawn to check it for specific substances, called allergens, that could be causing your allergic reactions. Your Fresno allergist might recommend this type of allergy testing if you have symptoms like sneezing, itching, or hives, to find out what’s triggering your allergies. It helps pinpoint the exact allergens so you can avoid them and get the right treatment. The turnaround time for lab testing results varies depending on the type of test and the laboratory, but you can typically expect results after a few days .

How do I prepare for allergy lab testing?

For allergy lab testing specifically, it is unlikely that you need to be fasting or stop any medications (such as you usually do when you get other blood tests from your primary doctor). Just be sure to follow your Clovis allergist‘s advice to make sure the test is accurate.

Are lab tests ordered by an allergist used for other purposes?

Yes! Apart from identifying specific allergens, lab tests help spot different allergy-related issues. These tests can show signs of allergy activity in your body, like high levels of eosinophils (a white blood cell associated with allergic inflammation) or a specific kind of allergy antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). This helps confirm conditions like hay fever, asthma, or eczema and also guides their treatment. Sometimes, allergies are linked to other health problems, like immune system issues. Lab tests can find signs of these conditions. This helps California allergists make sure your immune system is working properly to keep you healthy.