Blood test for allergies
allergy blood test · specific IgE test · allergy panel · total IgE
A blood test that looks for antibodies to different allergens: pollen, dust, pet hair, and foods. Skin tests are not needed for it.
For a runny nose, sneezing, rash, itching, or cough that comes from certain things or in a certain season.
⏱ Duration: usually 5 minutes; blood is taken from a vein
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Food. Usually you do not need to fast. Some labs ask you to come in the morning, 3 to 4 hours after eating. Check with your clinic.
- Allergy medicines. They usually do not affect the blood test, unlike skin tests. Do not stop them on your own. Tell your doctor, who will decide.
What to bring
- Your referral with the list of allergens, if the doctor gave you one
- Past allergy test results
How it goes
- You sit down and rest your arm on the armrest
- A band is tightened above your elbow
- The skin is wiped, and blood is taken from a vein
- A cotton ball is pressed on the spot
What you'll feel
- A quick needle prick
- Sometimes a small bruise stays afterwards
Afterwards
- You can eat and go about your day right away
- Results usually come in a few days, depending on how many allergens are tested
- An allergist explains the result. Antibodies do not always mean a real allergy
Common questions
Can I have the allergy test while taking allergy pills?
Usually yes. They hardly affect the blood test. It is skin tests that need a break from them.
If the test found antibodies, do I definitely have an allergy?
Not always. The doctor compares the result with how you feel. Sometimes there are antibodies but no reaction.
Can a child have an allergy blood test?
Yes, the blood test is fine for children too. The doctor will say which allergens to check.