Thousands of at-home allergy tests exist, so it might be difficult for you to select just one. Most home allergy tests use a snappy finger prick to draw blood, which you then send off for testing at a lab. Next, you will go to a lab where they take your blood and expose it to the specific allergens you wish to test for IgE antibody reactivity. If you react it means that you may be allergic to the individual allergen. 2
There is a wide range of At-home allergy testing kits that will differ depending on which samples are being taken and for what antibodies. We researched and tested dozens of at-home allergy kits to help you wade through the sea—here are our picks for this year’s best. We also weighted ease of at-home testing, price, customer reviews, and company support (follow-up or instructions on next steps with any findings).
Should You Use an At-Home Allergy Test?
Pros of At-Home Allergy Tests
Convenience – Skip taking time off of work (other than to go get a blood draw for some tests that were done as home) and save the publisher’s paper while you are testing your alcohol.
Cost: Depending on your insurance, an at-home test might be a more affordable avenue.
Reliability: The labs used for at-home food allergy tests are the same ones that your doctor uses to run blood samples.
Not as invasive: Hair tests are less invasive than blood test, although they are also not so accurate in the process. Finger prick blood collections at home are, generally, less annoying than skin tests.
Privacy — You may complete most tests from the privacy of your own home. Most companies will use plain, discreet shipping and you can order online without a problem but speak to customer service if privacy is an issue for you.
At-home allergy tests: The Downsides
Confined information: Most at-home testing kits do not come with a healthcare consultation to provide you guidance on the results and, how if possible change your behavior.
All tests are not equal: Some tests have better validity than others. If all else fails customer reviews are your friend.
You might need to do some advanced testing: If an at-home test comes back positive for you having an allergy or intolerance, then it would be best for consult your healthcare provider on this as well.
Lack of necessary insurance: Because consideration is not given to at-home allergy testing as a reliable scientific method through the medical community, health insurance generally do not cover these services.
What We Wish You Knew From the Healthcare Experts
Food Sensitivity Test vs allergy test — Allergy tests are for different types of food intolerance. These tests help you identify all the substances to which your body might be intolerant but may not clinically have an allergy. Both occur especially in foods or food additives. A food intolerance might lead to stomach pain or diarrhea, for example; a true allergy can create symptoms as critical as difficulty in breathing, swelling of your mouth, and/or tongue crystal rashes.
Effectiveness: Doctors and healthcare experts state that at-home allergy tests are not accurate. We suggest that you use at-home allergy tests, and then take the results to a medical professional for an interpretation as well as confirmation of those test results —which would best be followed by discussing what treatment might help control allergies. 3 Without appropriate guidance, you might resort to unnecessary measures all in a bid to address an assumed allergic reaction; getting rid of your pet or maybe committing yourself to undisclosed dietary changes.
Assess your symptoms: Pick a test that checks for the allergens you are most worried about. There are also ragweed, tree pollen, and sagebrush mixes available that may help if you have seasonal allergies. So how can you tell if cats and dogs could trigger a reaction, find out from the doctors with the common pet allergens test.
Methods: The process for collecting a sample at home varies by test. Other kits have you prick your finger and send a few drops of blood to a lab for testing by mail. Other tests might have you head to a lab for your blood draw. 9/ There are also tests where you have to snip a few strands of your hair and mail it to the lab.
Processing time differs: You can receive your test results in a week or two; how quickly you get them is determined by whether the laboratory is based on blood or hair samples and reporting methods. In general, digitally available results via email or a secure testing company portal bring back the fastest turnaround — about three to seven days after collection.
Getting an at-home allergy test
Ways to choose an at-home allergy test
Blood sample: the majority of allergic reaction tests are performed using a blood example.
Those who find self-swabbing uncomfortable may choose to enlist the assistance of a friend or relative.
Allergies and intolerances: Those who suspect they could be allergic to or particularly intolerant of a certain substance should make sure the test is designed to account for these conditions.
Results time: Time taken to return the results of the company. Some businesses will do it in two days and companies may take 6 months.
Price: A test that screens more allergies and intolerances is priced higher than a less costly one.
To date, there is minimal evidence that at-home tests can determine allergies or intolerances from a trustless platform. Always consult with a healthcare professional about any results.
How does at-home allergy testing work?
Allergies occur when the immune system views a substance as harmful.
When the body encounters this substance, protective antibodies like IgE are made. These antibodies move to cells that discharge chemicals, for example, histamine when activated it results in an allergic response.
Inflammation and their irrigations are mainly because of allergic reactions. People who are allergic to an allergen can develop a strong inflammatory response that, in severe cases, could lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis.
Here are some of these allergens and their origins:
pollen
dust mites
food
insect stings
animal dander
mold
medications or drugs
latex
When should you consider an at-home allergy test?
If you are showing symptoms of a nonfood (environmental) allergy, an at-home allergy test could help. Some common symptoms of allergies:
itching, hives, or rash
sore, itchy throat from allergen exposure
sneezing or coughing
itchy, watery, or red eyes
congestion
dyspnoea or wheezing
Keep in mind, the findings of an at-home allergy test are not a true diagnosis. If it is necessary to identify the allergy, a person should contact his or her doctor for further evaluation.
The other health agencies do not endorse at-home tests People with an allergy or intolerance should consult their doctor.
Food intolerances can lead to gas, cramps or diarrhea. Dairy and alcohol are some of the most common food intolerances. Symptoms of food allergies
hives
itchy skin
swelling
vomiting
diarrhea
anaphylaxis
At-home testing: Are they reliable?
A skin test can diagnose an allergy fully by a doctor. This frequently includes scratching the skin with a needle or plastic prong that consists of a usual allergen.
Most at-home allergy tests are simple blood draws from a finger prick. Nevertheless, this technique may not exactly be an accurate determinant of allergies at all.
An at-home test that tests for the level of IgG4 in your blood is not a valid idea; this antibody will be found in both non-allergic to substances people and allergic to them. At-home food allergy and intolerance tests IgG4
IgG4 testing is not recommended by scientists. There is no evidence that the presence of IgG4 in blood tests indicates food allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance. Thus, they may want to check with their physician if allergic.
Someone who does opt for an at-home allergy test should, however, do useful to then see a doctor about their results.
Note: Some allergy tests have a false-positive or false-negative result. Further Food allergy testing means a person must see a medical specialist to give interpretation and analysis.
When to contact a doctor
An out-of-office test is not a substitute for seeing your primary care doctor or an allergist/immunologist.
However, these tests may not be consistently reliable; therefore individuals must so only after a professional doctor has given them follow-up tests. Or you know, people could just ask their doctor rather than an at-home wubatory test.
According to the American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology you should visit a healthcare professional if:
Chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, and breathing problems from allergies.
A person presents with immediate IgE-mediated food allergy symptoms: hives, swelling (i.e. lip or face), vomiting, wheezing, or anaphylaxis
Hay fever or other allergy symptoms occur several months per year.
Nothing over-the-counter seems to work, or it causes too much discomfort.
Allergies prevent doing day-to-day activities or even get in the way of a good quality life.
Signs of an asthma increase or severe episode (difficulty catching your breath, wheezing and coughing, very frequent shortness of breath or chest tightness; with sudden symptoms like feeling the urge to use a rescue inhaler more often than every four hours)
Final Remarks
There are many different types of at-home allergy tests you can buy. Most screens for a wide spectrum of allergens, but some are more a mixture; you will have allergy tests alongside reports/claims to know intolerances.
Blood sampleMany at-home allergy tests involve a blood sample. Some products include the necessary equipment and instructions for a person to get their blood from a small finger prick. On the other hand, some products require a healthcare professional to take blood in a laboratory.
They do not have to be correct;/* I am not saying that people should use these tests in place of seeking contact with a professional.
Read More About: Verywell Health
