Allergy Testing
in Alaska

Allergy Testing FAQs

• How do allergy tests work?

  A skin test or a blood test may be used for allergy testing. A skin test involves softly scratching the skin's surface using an instrument to apply a suspected allergen. You are allergic if your skin becomes reddened, swollen, or itchy.
  
  In some circumstances, such as when a severe adverse reaction to a skin test is suspected, blood tests are employed. Your blood will be submitted to a lab for testing to see if you have antibodies to certain allergens.

• How long does it take to get allergy test results?

  Allergy skin testing is really quick. Any reactions, which usually happen within 20 minutes, will be watched. You may feel redness or swelling a few hours following the test in some situations. Because a blood sample must be submitted to a laboratory for analysis, blood tests take longer. As a result, the findings may take several days to arrive.

• How long does allergy testing take?

  The length of time it takes to do an allergy test is determined by the type of test. A skin test requires you to stay at the doctor's office while your reactions are evaluated. This usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes. Scratch tests, on the other hand, can be inconclusive at times, and your doctor may wish to conduct more testing. Drawing a blood sample takes only a few minutes if you are only doing a blood test.

• How much does an allergy test cost?

  Allergy testing costs vary significantly based on the type of test and the number of allergens screened. A skin test, for example, can cost anywhere from $60 to $300, plus there may be an additional fee for an allergist appointment. Blood testing might cost anything from $200 and $1,000.

• Does insurance cover allergy testing?

  If you have health insurance, allergy testing may be covered by your policy. To find out exactly what is covered, contact your insurance company. A copay may be required. The copay for a specialist may be more than the copay for a primary care physician under some insurance policies. A separate charge from the laboratory will be sent if you undergo a blood test, which may or may not be reimbursed by insurance.

• How do I read allergy test results?

  Following an allergy test, your doctor will look for wheals and flares, which are skin reactions. A wheal is a skin rash that is elevated, red, and itchy. Wheals come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some of them have a white center. The red region surrounding the wheal is known as a flare. A greater wheal and flare will be caused by stronger allergic reactions.

• How accurate are allergy tests?

  Testing for allergies isn't a precise science. They can sometimes produce a false positive, indicating the presence of an allergy when none exists. They may also fail to cause an allergic reaction to anything you are allergic to. On other occasions, you may react differently to the same allergy test. Some drugs can also affect the outcome of allergy tests.

• Where should I get an allergy test?

  Allergists, or doctors who specialize in allergies, frequently do allergy tests. You can ask your health care physician to refer you to an allergist if you have one. Allergy testing may also be available at some labs, clinics, or urgent care centers. You can also look for a supplier in our Solv directory.

• How can I book an allergy test through Solv?

  Simply start entering "allergy" into the search bar on our website. A drop-down menu will display. Choose "allergy test" from the drop-down menu. You have the option of using your existing location or entering a new one. Then press the search button. On the following page, you'll find a list of local providers, along with contact information and available appointment hours. To schedule an appointment, find a provider near you and fill out the form.

• Can I do at-home allergy testing?

  Some allergy tests can be done at home, but they aren't always accurate. Although an allergy test may appear to be a straightforward procedure, you should seek the advice of a trained allergy specialist. There are numerous variables in the testing process that can influence your results. Severe responses may occur in certain persons, necessitating medical intervention.