Allergy Testing
Alternate Names : Patch Tests - Allergy, RAST Test, Scratch Tests - Allergy, Skin Tests - Allergy
DefinitionAllergy tests are any of several tests, blood, protocols, or challenge, used to determine the substance(s) to which a person is allergic.
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Why is the Test Performed?
Allergy tests are used to determine the specific substances that cause an allergic reaction in an individual. They may also be used to determine if a group of symptoms is a true allergic reaction (involving antibodies and histamine release). Some food intolerances, in which there is an inability to digest a food because of lack of appropriate enzymes, mimicallergies. Some drugs, such as aspirin, can cause allergy-like symptoms but without the formation of antibodies or the release of histamine.
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