What should you know about the most accurate allergy test?

A clinician starts with the timing of symptoms, likely exposures and reactions involving the skin, nose, eyes, lungs or gut. A skin prick test places small amounts of suspected allergens on the skin and looks for a local reaction. A blood test measures allergy-related antibodies to selected triggers.

A positive result shows sensitisation, but it does not automatically prove that the trigger causes your symptoms. A negative result can also need interpretation when the history is strong. Results are most meaningful when matched with a clear clinical pattern.

Keep a symptom diary with foods, medicines, pets, dust, seasons, workplace exposures and the time between exposure and symptoms. Bring this record and a list of medicines to your appointment. Do not remove many foods or stop prescribed treatment without professional guidance.

Testing may help investigate allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, food allergy, pet allergy or house dust mite allergy. The panel should be targeted to your history rather than broad testing without a clinical question.

Call emergency services for swelling of the tongue or throat, breathing difficulty, wheezing, faintness or widespread symptoms after an exposure. These can be signs of anaphylaxis and require immediate treatment; do not wait for an allergy appointment or test result.

Ask which trigger is being investigated, whether medicines could affect testing, how results will change your plan, and whether a specialist assessment is needed.