Allergy Testing
Also known as: RAST test; Allergy screen
Formal name: Allergen-specific IgE antibody test
Related tests: Total IgE; Complete blood count (CBC); White blood cell differential count; Eosinophil count; Basophil count
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To screen for allergies; sometimes to monitor the effectiveness of immunotherapy (desensitization) treatment
When to Get Tested?
When you have symptoms such as hives, dermatitis, rhinitis (nasal congestion), red itchy eyes, asthma, or abdominal pain that your doctor suspects may be caused by an allergy
Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
