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Allergen Test Information for Patients and Parents

Allergy Testing

Take control of your allergy symptoms

  • Watery eyes
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Wheezing
  • Rashes
  • Hives
  • Scratchy throat
  • Coughing
  • Congestion
  • Stomach pain
  • Swelling of lips, tongue and/or throat

If you experience any allergic symptoms, a simple blood test can help you and your primary care provider make more informed decisions about your health.

Understanding allergens and allergy testing

Normally harmless substances, also called allergens, can be found inside and outside of your home.

How an allergy is triggered:

If you are exposed to allergies and your immune system identifies these allergens as a threat, then your body will produce antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE) and these IgE antibodies can trigger your allergic symptoms.

Allergy testing can measure the level of IgE antibodies in your blood to determine if you are triggered by certain allergens—substances that cause allergic reactions.

Find out what is causing your symptoms

Allergies affect as many as 30-40% of all people1, but over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines might not help ease allergy symptoms. Whether you are exposed to pollens, certain foods, dust mites, pets or mold, it’s important to understand what is causing your symptoms by performing allergy testing.

Get answers about your allergies

Getting answers about your allergies can start with your primary care provider. Along with a physical exam and medical history, your provider can order a simple blood test—called a specific IgE blood test—to better understand your allergic triggers and:

  • Prescribe appropriate medication
  • Help you reduce exposure to certain allergens
  • Create a customized treatment plan for controlling your reactions and reducing your symptoms

Two options: Learn how your body reacts to common allergens

1.

Ask your healthcare provider about a specific IgE blood test to help provide clarity about your allergy symptoms. 

2.

Shop for Labcorp OnDemand tests online:

Take charge of your health: Get answers about common allergy topics

Food sensitivities and allergies

Find the source of your food allergy, such as milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, fruits, vegetables, sesame seed, soy or wheat.

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Asthma and respiratory allergies

Identify and potentially reduce relevant allergens and irritants that increase symptoms.

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Pediatric allergies

Identify and potentially reduce relevant allergens and irritants that increase symptoms of asthma.

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Stinging insect allergies

Identify allergic reactions to venom from stinging insects, such as honey bees and wasps.

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Environmental and workplace allergies

Indoor allergies, in the workplace or in school, may cause year-round symptoms, which may get worse with environmental or seasonal allergies.

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Pet and animal allergies

Pets are considered part of the family but may be a source of allergy symptoms.

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Skin allergies

Skin irritation, rashes, swelling or hives may be related to an allergy. 

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Drug allergies

An allergy to an over-the-counter medication or prescription drug typically appears as a skin reaction, such as a fever, rash or hives, but a drug allergy can also cause a serious condition called anaphylactic shock. 

Learn More

References:

  1. World Allergy Organization. WAO White Book on Allergy. https://www.worldallergy.org/UserFiles/file/WAO-White-Book-on-Allergy_web.pdf