Allergy Testing: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Allergy Testing?
An allergist (a doctor who treats allergies) or a dermatologist (a skin doctor) most often does allergy skin tests. A health care professional takes the blood sample for an allergy blood test. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Allergy testing finds out which substances cause your allergy symptoms. These substances are called allergens. There are three common kinds of skin tests. They are the skin prick test, the intradermal test, and the patch test. An allergy blood test measures the amount of allergy-causing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
Why a doctor might recommend it
Your provider may order allergy testing if you have symptoms of an allergy. Symptoms can include the following.
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Hives, a rash with raised red patches
Your provider may order skin tests for the following reasons.
- Hay fever and asthma symptoms that are not well controlled with medicine
- Skin rashes after contact with a substance
How to prepare
Before testing, your provider will ask you about your illnesses, where you live and work, your lifestyle, and your eating habits. Medicines that contain antihistamines, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can change the results of skin tests. Your provider will tell you which medicines to avoid and when to stop taking them before the test. Do not stop any medicine unless your provider tells you to. For a patch test, your provider may want you to avoid heavy sun exposure.
What happens during it
For a skin prick test, your provider puts small drops of allergens on your forearm or back. If you are allergic, a small red bump called a wheal shows up within about 15 to 20 minutes. For an intradermal test, your provider injects a small amount of allergen just below the skin surface. An intradermal test is never done for food allergies.
For a patch test, your provider places small patches on your skin. You wear the patches for 48 to 96 hours and then return to your provider's office. For an allergy blood test, a health care professional takes a blood sample from a vein in your arm. This usually takes less than five minutes.
Recovery
Skin tests may cause very mild discomfort when the skin is pricked. Positive spots on the skin become red, itchy, and swollen, like a bug bite. If you feel intense itching or pain under the patches at home, remove them and call your provider. A positive skin test means you are probably allergic to that substance. A negative skin test most often means you are not allergic to the substance. If you are diagnosed with an allergy, your provider will recommend a treatment plan. The plan may include avoiding the allergen when possible.
Risks and side effects
There is very little risk to having allergy skin tests. In rare cases, a person can have a whole-body allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening. If you are at risk for anaphylactic shock, you may need to carry an emergency epinephrine auto-injector. This is a device with a set amount of a drug for severe allergies. If you have symptoms of anaphylactic shock, use the device and call 911. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue, or fainting. Allergy blood tests may not always be accurate.
Who performs it
You will most likely be tested by an allergist or a dermatologist. If your results show an allergy, your provider may refer you to an allergy specialist or suggest a treatment plan.
Common questions
Does an allergy skin test hurt?
A skin test may cause very mild discomfort when the skin is pricked. The most common side effect is red, itchy skin at the test areas.
Can allergy testing be done with a blood test instead of a skin test?
Yes, your provider may order an allergy blood test if you cannot have allergy skin testing. The blood draw usually takes less than five minutes.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either one can be the provider who may order allergy testing if you have symptoms of an allergy. If your results show an allergy, they may refer you to an allergy specialist.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Allergy testing - skin
- MedlinePlus - Allergy Skin Test
- MedlinePlus - Allergy Blood Test
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
