A picture of a blood allergy test that could be used to determine allergies (RequestATest).
Where the tests can go wrong
" 50-60 percent of all skin prick allergy tests produce false positives" (FARE). " You could have a normal (negative) allergy blood test result and still have an allergy" (Miller).
What is an Allergy test
There are many forms of allergy testing that doctors and allergists use. They include blood tests, skin prick tests and completing a food challenge. All of these forms of testing can be used to determine what allergies a person has. Knowing what allergies a person has is crucial for the health and well being of a person. There are different ways doctors determine which type of test to use. Doctors and allergists may use a persons family background and medical history to determine which test is best for that person. Allergy testing is the best way to determine a persons allergies and gives insight to the health of a person. Since there are different forms of allergy tests its is easy to wonder which one gives the best results. Each type of allergy test has its faults and determining which test is best for each individual is very important. Faults of allergy test include producing false positives and false negatives and other factors produced from a person.
The Big Deal
Different types of allergy testing can produce false positive and false negative results.
Skin prick allergy test being conducted by a doctor (FARE).