For people suffering from allergies, there are a number of tests that
can be done to determine what exactly is triggering their condition. Cutting
down on the number of possibilities is a long and time consuming process, but
once done, it could save the patient from a lifetime of problems.
Allergy tests done to narrow the triggers include the allergy skin
test or the blood allergy test. The choice is up to the patient, but skin tests
are usually less expensive than blood tests. In the category of skin tests,
there is the skin prick test where the allergen is dropped on a series of
scratches on the skin. The other method is the intradermal testing where the allergen is injected into the skin;
this is a very sensitive test and usually gives perfect results.
In many cases, intradermal
testing is done for to check for allergies against penicillin, bee or wasp
venom. The patient is usually questioned by the doctor about lifestyle, food
and eating habits, current medications, and history of present illness. There
is a slight pricking sensation when injected, and there have been cases where
the patient has developed rash, red watery eyes, and itching.
Besides the drug allergies and bee venom, Intradermal Testing of the skin may be ordered by the treating
physician to find out triggers for asthma, allergic rhinitis, urticaria, food
allergies, dermatitis, and snake venom. A negative test signals that the
patient is not allergic to the product, food, venom, or other triggers.
