Do I Need Allergy Testing? What to Know Before You Book

What Is Allergy Testing?
Allergy testing helps doctors find out if your symptoms are caused by something called an IgE-mediated allergy. IgE (short for Immunoglobulin E) is a special type of protein made by your body’s immune system.
If you have environmental or food allergies, your body makes too much IgE when it sees certain things—like pollen, pet dander, or peanuts. This can cause sneezing, itching, rashes, or even trouble breathing.
Doctors use allergy testing to figure out which things (called allergens) are causing your symptoms. That way, they can create a treatment plan just for you. (AAAAI)
Allergy testing is used to help diagnose:
- Seasonal allergies (also called hay fever or allergic rhinitis)
- Asthma
- Eczema (itchy, dry skin)
- Food allergies
- Medicine allergies
- Insect sting allergies
When Should You Get Allergy Testing?
You might need allergy testing if you have:
- Sneezing, stuffy nose, or itchy eyes that won’t go away
- Skin rashes or hives with no clear reason
- Coughing or wheezing, especially with asthma
- Trouble breathing after being around pets, dust, or pollen
- Symptoms after eating specific foods
- Symptoms that don’t get better with medicine
- You’re thinking about starting immunotherapy (like allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy)
If you’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms—or what to do about them—testing can help give answers. (ACAAI)
Types of Allergy Testing
Allergy tests come in a few different forms. Your allergist will choose the best one for you based on your symptoms and history.
1. Skin Prick Test (SPT)
This is the most common allergy test done in a doctor’s office.
How it works:
- A small drop of each allergen is placed on your skin (usually on your forearm or back)
- The skin is lightly pricked
- After about 15–20 minutes, the doctor checks for any swelling or redness that looks like a mosquito bite
What it helps test for:
- Tree Pollen
- Grass Pollen
- Weed Pollen
- Mold
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Foods
This test is very accurate when done by trained professionals and doesn’t hurt much—just a small poke. (AAAAI)
2. Blood Test (Specific IgE Test)
This test checks for IgE antibodies in your blood.
Good for people who:
- Can’t stop taking antihistamines
- Have eczema or skin problems that make skin testing hard
- Are very sensitive and at risk for a strong reaction
Your blood is sent to a lab and tested for specific allergens. It may take a few days to get results. Common tests include ImmunoCAP and RAST. (https://acaai.org/)
3. Oral Food Challenge (OFC)
This is the most careful and accurate way to check for food allergies.
How it works:
- You eat very small amounts of the food (like milk or peanuts) in a doctor’s office
- The doctor watches you closely for signs of a reaction
This test is only done by medical professionals in a safe setting when medically necessary. (https://www.aaaai.org/)
What Allergy Testing Can’t Do
Not every reaction is an allergy! Some people have sensitivities or intolerances that don’t involve IgE.
Allergy testing does NOT show:
- Lactose intolerance (trouble digesting milk)
- Reactions to food additives like MSG or sulfites
- Non-allergic stuffy noses or sinus problems
- The cause of headaches or tiredness after eating
Also, IgG testing (often sold in home kits) is not reliable. It only shows that you’ve eaten a food before—not that you’re allergic to it. Dr. Payel Gupta, Tono’s Medical Director of Allergy & Immunology and other top allergy doctors around the country say don’t use IgG testing to find food allergies. (AAAAI) (Allergy & Asthma Network)
What Happens During a Virtual Allergy Visit?
You can start your allergy care from the comfort of your home with a virtual allergist.
During a Tono Health virtual visit, the allergist will:
- Ask about your symptoms and when they happen
- Learn about your home, school, pets, and foods
- Decide if you need allergy testing
- Order IgE blood tests at a local lab, or refer you for skin testing
- Recommend steps to manage symptoms now
- Help decide if you might need immunotherapy (https://acaai.org/)
Virtual care is a great first step. You get answers quickly—and avoid unnecessary trips if testing isn’t needed.
What About Kids?
Kids can get allergy testing too! In fact, testing early can help:
- Manage allergies of the eyes, nose, asthma and eczema better
- Build a care plan for school or daycare
- Help guide treatment decisions
Allergy tests are safe and often done in kids as young as 6 months old. (AAAAI)
Real-Life Example
Let’s say Maya keeps getting itchy eyes, sneezing, and headaches every spring. Her medicine helps a little but not enough. During a virtual visit, her allergist asks:
- When do symptoms happen?
- Are there pets or mold in the home?
- What makes her feel worse—or better?
The allergist recommends a skin test or blood test to check for pollen and dust allergies. Maya gets tested at a nearby clinic or lab, and it turns out she’s allergic to tree pollen. Her doctor creates a treatment plan—and now she’s enjoying spring again.
Final Takeaways
- Allergy testing helps you figure out what’s really causing your symptoms
- There are different tests—skin, blood, and food challenge—and your allergist will choose the best one for you
- Testing is not helpful for sensitivities, food intolerance, or reactions to food additives
- Virtual care with Tono Health can start the testing process, manage symptoms, and connect you with the right next steps
- If you’re still unsure, talking to an expert is the best way to know for sure
Ready to Get Answers?
You don’t have to guess. Book a virtual allergy visit with Tono Health today and find out if testing is the right step for you or your child.
Sources
AAAAI, ACAAI, Allergy & Asthma Network, AAD, The Itch Podcast
This article is for informational purposes only. In case of a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the ER.