Animal allergy
Disease Information
Tests
How are allergies diagnosed?
All tests measure your child's level of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to specific allergens.
Skin test
Using diluted solutions of specific allergens, the physician either injects your child with the solutions or applies them to a small scratch or puncture. Reaction appears as a small red area on the skin.
Skin tests provide faster results and are more specific than blood tests.
Blood test
A RAST (radioallergosorbent test) will analyze the level of antibodies in your child's bloodstream.
