How Wheat allergy tests taken?

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1. Guest8397
   

   Skin Prick Test In this test your skin will be exposed to small amounts of various allergens. The test measures specific IgE (immunoglobulin E) attached to cells in the skin in allergies called "mast" cells. You will be asked to avoid taking any anti-histamines or other specific drugs for a period of time before the tests are carried out, from days to weeks depending on the drug. This test should not cause a violent reaction to the suspected allergen, and almost anybody can be tested, however where there has been a clear anaphylactic reaction to ingestion of a specific allergen then skin testing may not be appropriate. The skin of elderly people may also be incapable of reacting in some cases. A grid or codes will be marked along the underside of your forearm, possibly both arms.
   Small drops of each allergen will be placed in the centre of each grid square or by each code, as few as 6 or as many as 70 can be done in one session. A lancet will be used to scratch in the centre of the allergen droplet (tiny little scratch which shouldn't be painful). The allergen drops will also include 1-2 'control' drops (saline [negative control] and a histamine [positive control]). The saline is used to check that you don't have hyper-sensitive skin and react to the lancet breaking the skin rather than the allergen itself. The histamine is used because everyone is expected to react to it.
   The allergens may be drawn from several groups e.g. foods, household, animals etc. If you are allergic to the allergen drop placed on your skin then a hive (red, itchy raised bump) will form under the particular allergen drop you are reacting to. It may be itchy, but it's important not to scratch any of the test sites.
   At the end of the waiting period the test sites will be inspected for hives, the allergen it relates to will be noted and the size of the hive measured. After approximately an hour any hives will usually begin to disappear. It is important to note that false negative reactions can occur in some instances, and food allergens are less reliable than other allergen types. However an allergy specialist is the best person to carry out and interpret these tests
   Your doctor may also recommend that you undergo a blood test.

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