Allergy Blood Test: What Can It Tell You About Your Allergies?
How does an allergy blood test work?
Could a blood test help identify what is triggering your allergy symptoms?
An allergy blood test involves taking a blood sample that is analysed for specific IgE antibodies directed against particular allergens. Depending on the test used, healthcare professionals can investigate sensitisation to individual allergens or a broader range of allergens. Some advanced tests can also analyse individual components of an allergen, providing more detailed information in certain situations.
In this video, an allergy specialist explains how allergy blood tests work, what they can detect and how they compare with skin prick testing.
In this video, you’ll learn:
- What an allergy blood test measures
- Which allergens can be investigated, including pollens, moulds, animal dander and house dust mites
- How blood testing can identify evidence of allergic sensitisation
- How component testing can provide more detailed information about certain food allergies
- What microchip allergy tests are and how they can investigate many allergens from a single blood sample
- The advantages and limitations of blood testing compared with skin prick testing
Watch the video below to learn how allergy blood tests work and what they can reveal about potential allergy triggers.
What can an allergy blood test detect?
Blood testing can be used to investigate sensitisation to many common allergens, including:
- Pollens
- House dust mites
- Animal dander
- Moulds
- Certain food allergens
- Other less common allergens, depending on the test available
The range of allergens tested depends on the specific blood test and the clinical question being investigated.
Blood tests and skin prick tests
Both blood testing and skin prick testing can provide information about allergic sensitisation. The choice of test depends on your symptoms, medical history and individual circumstances.
Blood testing may be particularly useful when skin testing is difficult or when a broader or more detailed assessment is needed. However, skin prick testing can also provide useful information and is commonly used in the investigation of allergies.
Your healthcare professional can recommend the most appropriate test for you.
Does a positive blood test mean you have an allergy?
Not necessarily. A positive result indicates sensitisation to an allergen, but this does not automatically mean that the allergen is causing your symptoms.
Test results need to be interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history, and clinical findings. Your healthcare professional can help determine whether the test results are relevant to your symptoms.
Please note: This video is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Allergy test results should always be interpreted by a qualified healthcare professional in the context of your symptoms and medical history.
