Food Allergy Testing near me

Food Allergy Testing FAQs

• How is food allergy testing done?

  Food allergy testing may involve a variety of approaches, such as a skin test or a blood test. For a skin test, a small amount of the food in question is placed on your skin with a special needle that lightly scrapes the skin. If you develop a reaction such as a rash or a raised bump, you are likely allergic to that food. A blood test will examine your blood for allergy-related antibodies.

• How much does a food allergy test cost?

  The cost of a food allergy test depends on factors such as how many tests you require and which tests are needed. A skin allergy test can range from $60 to $300; there is typically a fee for each food or substance tested. A blood test may cost $200 to $1000.

• Does insurance cover food allergy testing?

  If you have health insurance, you may want to determine whether food allergy tests are covered by your insurance company in advance. For example, your insurance company may cover skin allergy tests but not blood tests. You may also have to meet your deductible before your insurance company pays any tests. If you have questions about the specifics of your individual policy, you can always call your insurance company.

• How do I read food allergy test results?

  If you have a skin test, you will wait in your doctor’s office to see if you develop any reactions. Your healthcare provider will watch for a skin reaction known as a wheal — a raised bump surrounded by a flare of red skin, which may be itchy. Generally, a large wheal and flare indicate a more severe allergic reaction. For a blood test, your blood will be sent to a lab to be analyzed for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

• How long does food allergy testing take?

  For a skin test, you can expect to spend 20 to 40 minutes in your doctor’s office while a nurse or doctor monitors you for a reaction. For a blood test, it only takes a few minutes to draw a sample of blood, which will then be sent to a lab for analysis.

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

  With a skin test, you will know right away if you have a reaction to a particular food. Skin reactions typically occur within 15 minutes, although your healthcare provider may ask you to stay at the doctor’s office longer to make sure you don’t have a severe allergic reaction. For blood tests, the blood sample must be sent to a lab for analysis, and it may take several days to get the results.

• Where should I get a food allergy test?

  Many doctors’ offices can perform allergy tests, but it’s usually best to see a specialist. Doctors known as allergists are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic conditions. If you test positive for a food allergy, an allergist will help you develop a treatment plan and provide medication if necessary. You can ask your primary care physician or insurance company to refer you to an allergist.

• How accurate are food allergy tests?

  Food allergy testing is not an exact science. According to Food Allergy Research & Education, roughly 50 to 60 percent of skin tests may yield a false positive. That means you may have a reaction to something even if you aren’t actually allergic. If you have a reaction to a skin test, your doctor may want to conduct additional testing to confirm the diagnosis. False negatives to a skin test, however, are very rare.

• How can I book a food allergy test through Solv?

  It’s easy to book a food allergy test through Solv. In the search box on our website, begin typing “food allergy.” You will see an option for “food allergy test” appear. Enter your city or ZIP code, or select the option to use your current location. On the next page, you will see a list of providers and available appointments. Choose a time and location that are convenient for you, and enter your information to book your appointment.

• Can I do at-home food allergy testing?

  Food allergy test kits are available for home use, but may not always be accurate. Instead of IgE antibodies, some home test kits may measure a different type of antibody, which does not reveal a true food allergy. Some home test kits may ask you to send in a sample of hair, which also does not contain IgE antibodies. To get an accurate diagnosis, it’s best to make an appointment with an allergist.