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Blood Testing for Allergies
You and your allergist should work together to figure out which test is best for you, including where to access allergy blood testing near you.
Make An AppointmentAllergy blood testing at a glance
- One simple blood draw can screen for many allergens at once, with no needles under the skin.
- Often the best choice if you have widespread eczema, can’t stop antihistamines, or are testing a young child.
- Results typically come back within a few days, and your allergist reviews them with you.
- Testing is the first step toward relief through immunotherapy, allergy shots, or allergy drops.
- Available at AllerVie clinics across the country, find one near you.
What is an allergy blood test?
An allergy blood test is one of the easiest ways to get real answers. Using a small sample of your blood, it looks for the specific things your body is reacting to (and how strongly), so you and your allergist can stop guessing and start treating the actual cause.
Because it only needs a blood sample, nothing touches or goes under your skin, so there’s no chance of triggering a reaction during the test. If your results point to an allergy, they give your allergist a clear starting point for your care (you may also hear this called allergen-specific IgE testing).
Signs it may be time to get tested
A lot of people live with symptoms for years before getting answers. If allergies are getting in the way of everyday life, it may be time to get tested, especially if you regularly notice:
- Year-round or seasonal sneezing, congestion, or a runny nose (allergic rhinitis)
- Itchy, watery, or swollen eyes (eye allergies)
- Reactions after eating certain foods (food allergies)
- Symptoms that flare around cats, dogs, or other animals (pet allergies)
- Worsening symptoms during high pollen or mold seasons
- Recurring hives or unexplained skin reactions (hives / urticaria)
- A strong reaction to an insect sting
Not sure whether what you’re feeling is allergies? Check your local pollen count, then book a visit to get real answers.
*Note: Determining which test is the best option should be done in consultation with your allergist and involves several different factors, including age, suspected allergy, and the severity of a patient’s reaction to an allergen.
Blood test vs skin test: which one is right for you?
Both blood tests and skin allergy testing are reliable ways to identify what you’re allergic to. The right choice really comes down to your situation, and your allergist will help you decide.
A blood test is often the better fit if you:
- Are testing a young child who may find skin testing uncomfortable
- Have eczema or sensitive skin that makes skin testing tricky
- Take allergy medications you can’t easily pause (they can affect skin test results)
- Have a history of a severe allergic reaction
The main advantage of skin testing, including intradermal and patch testing, is speed: results come back during your visit while blood tests take a few days. Your allergist may also lean toward a blood test when a more detailed result helps shape your treatment plan.
What to expect from your allergy blood test
1 Before your test
2 During the blood draw
3 Getting your results
How much does an allergy blood test cost?
The cost of an allergy blood test depends on how many triggers are tested and your insurance coverage. Many health plans cover allergy testing when a physician orders it to diagnose a medical condition. Our team can verify your benefits and walk you through any out-of-pocket costs before testing begins, so there are no surprises.
Have a coverage or billing question? Contact your nearest AllerVie location, we’re happy to help before you book.
The testing methods we use
Curious about what’s happening behind the scenes? Here’s a quick look, though your allergist takes care of all the details for you. Every method in our allergy diagnostics has the same goal: finding out what your body is reacting to.
RAST Test
This is the approach we use most. It can confirm or rule out reactions across hundreds of allergens, from weeds, pollens, and mold to foods and animal dander, which is especially helpful when symptoms overlap with other conditions. (ImmunoCAP™ is made by ThermoFisher.)
Elisa Test
ELISA is today’s standard for allergy blood testing. It measures the exact amount of specific antibodies in your blood, giving your allergist the detail needed to build a plan tailored to you.
ImmunoCAP™ Tests
You may still hear allergy blood testing called a “RAST test.” It’s an older name for the technology, which has largely been replaced by more modern methods like ImmunoCAP, so the term sticks around even though the testing itself has moved on.
From results to relief: your treatment options
A blood test is the starting point, not the finish line. Once your allergist knows your triggers, they can build a plan to actually reduce your symptoms. Depending on your results, that may include:
- Immunotherapy to retrain your immune system over time
- Allergy shots or allergy drops for long-term relief
- Targeted follow-up testing such as food allergy testing, drug allergy testing, or penicillin allergy testing