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blood test vs skin tests

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Posted 6/19/2012 5:53 PM (GMT 0)
My doctor wants me tested for allergies and has ordered a blood test. She is fine with me getting a skin test of one of my doctors does it, but for ease, she ordered the blood test.

Are either one of these better than the other? I do have allergies, and I know what a couple are (dust and mold, for example), but I want her to have an accurate reading. Any opinions?
Posted 6/21/2012 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
Both of those tests are not really reliable. Because you can get very many false positives and false negatives. However, personally I feel that the skin test is more accurate.
Posted 6/22/2012 1:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks :) They did the blood test today, but I think that if it comes up inconclusive, I will probably just ask for a skin test. I had one in the past, but I don't remember what the results were, and it was in another state, and I don't remember who did it. Besides, I think my allergies have intensified since then anyway (about 15 years ago). I know I am allergic to dust, molds, cats (not too badly), Guinea Pigs (pretty badly) and pine, but that's all I know for sure.
Posted 6/22/2012 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
I hate the blood tests! LOL My daughter, who has severe allergies, had the skin test - found out that she is allergic to pretty much everything and proceeded to be placed on allergy shots for about 2 years. But at the same times as the skin test, I had her allergist test her for shellfish - which is a blood test. Because I know for a FACT that she is allergic to shellfish - she breaks out in hives. But the blood test came back negative.

I also had the blood test. I had them test me for hazelnut and strawberries - it came out negative. Hmm tell that to my body wide rash when I eat them! lol
So usually I tell everyone that have food allergies, just listen to your body.

For environmental allergies, it's best to know which ones so they can be avoided.

But how did you find out that you are allergic to Guinea Pigs?
Posted 6/22/2012 7:54 PM (GMT 0)
I found out that I was allergic to them when we has some and I started to get asthma attacks any time I vacuumed around their cage. Also, if I touch one and then touch my eye (I am always rubbing my eye) the cornea (or white - I have never been sure) starts swelling. Looks nasty and itches like mad. I love them. They are so cute, but honestly, I am afraid to be near them. I make my kids wash their hands if they play with them at the pet store (and if one of their friends have them, the cloths go straight in the wash when they get home. There s a slight chance that I am not actually allergic to them, but to the pine shavings instead, but I am not allergic to other animals in pine bedding, so I am pretty sure it is the cute little rodent.
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