If you suspect you are suffering from allergies, talk with your
health care provider about allergy testing. A simple series of
tests may help pinpoint your particular allergens. It is not
unusual for the first encounter with the allergen to produce a
mild reaction, but if you are susceptible subsequent exposures
can increase sensitivity to the danger point. Talk to your
health care provider if you suspect you may be at risk for a
serious allergic reaction. Allergy testing involves having a
skin or blood test to find out what substance may trigger an
allergic response. Skin tests are usually done because they are
rapid, reliable, and generally less expensive than blood tests,
but either type of test may be used. A small amount of a
suspected allergen is placed on or below the skin to see if a
reaction develops. There are three types of skin tests: - Skin
prick test. This test is done by placing a drop of a solution
containing a possible allergen on the skin, and a series of
scratches or needle pricks allows th