Question 1

how long does a allergy scratch test take?

Accepted Answer

1 sec and 20 min: Putting on the test takes 1 or 2 seconds.  You then wait 20 minutes to have the tests read.

Question 2

what exactly is an allergy scratch test?

Accepted Answer

Best allergy test: Scratch or prick skin testing is the primary skin test method used by allergists. A drop of the material in question is put on the surface of the skin and a small pointed device is used to prick the skin surface exposing a very small amount of the material (antigen) to the subject. If the person has sufficient numbers of sensitive mast cell a hive appears due to histamine released = positive test.

Question 3

how accurate is an allergy scratch test?

Accepted Answer

Allergy skin test: Allergy skin tests in the hands of a trained allergist are very helpful in determining the most likely causes of allergy symptoms. No test is perfect, and sometimes allergy tests can miss allergies and sometimes they can cause them to be overdiagnosed. That's why you need a doctor to take your history and interpret the test together with all the information about your symptoms and activities.

Question 4

2 days ago got tested for allergies (scratch test) only spots w/reaction were histamine+mold. now there are red spots (not the pricks) itchy, causes?

Accepted Answer

ST reaction: The skin test response to allergen may start within minutes followed by a delayed response from 2-8 hrs later. The delayed reaction may linger for a few days. However the reaction consists usually of a raised wheal and not just redness. Are your red spots raised or flat?

Question 5

i have chronic small hives, rashes. tested negative for food allergies via scratch test. trust the results and eat whatever i want? worried abt reactn

Accepted Answer

See an allergist: You should find an expert to help you out on this.  Food allergy is rarely a cause for chronic hives.

Question 6

hi if your food allergies skin prick test scratch points get red not swell what does mean ?

Accepted Answer

Borderline: Depending on your history and symptoms, some results can be significant, other not. Your allergist should advice you best.

Question 7

hi there! i've been to see a dr due to some concerns regarding dairy. i have been suffering with phlegm and when showering i end up gagging and throwing up. the dr did an allergy test by scratching my back. i am needing a second opinion?

Accepted Answer

For what?: What do you need a second opinion for?  The person to discuss this with is your doctor who should be able to suggest a doctor for second review. This forum is not appropriate for a second opinion as we are not able to examine you.
Wish you good health!

Question 8

is the scratch test for environmental allergies accurate and useful?

Accepted Answer

No: This is the original technique first described by charles blakley in 1873.  Its disadvantages include false-postives, more painful than the prick test, and not as reproducible as intradermal skin test.  Because of these and other drawbacks this form of testing is no longer recommended as a diagnostic procedure.

Question 9

should a chronic hive sufferer who is prone to allergies to meds also avoid high risk foods such as peanut butter, fish? food scratch test negative.

Accepted Answer

Zyrtec or Claritin (loratadine): Both of these meds are used to treat chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives without cause).

Question 10

i've been "back scratch" tested for allergies. can the doctors do a allergy tests for specific types?

Accepted Answer

See below: The scratch test does test for specific allergies.  Blood work can also be requested for allergies. However, most allergist believe the skin testing is more accurate.

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Doctor answers about:

Allergy scratch test

A member asked:

How long does a allergy scratch test take?

A member asked:

What exactly is an allergy scratch test?

A member asked:

How accurate is an allergy scratch test?

A member asked:

2 days ago got tested for allergies (scratch test) only spots w/reaction were histamine+mold. now there are red spots (not the pricks) itchy, causes?

A member asked:

I have chronic small hives, rashes. tested negative for food allergies via scratch test. trust the results and eat whatever i want? worried abt reactn

A member asked:

Hi if your food allergies skin prick test scratch points get red not swell what does mean ?

A member asked:

Hi there! i've been to see a dr due to some concerns regarding dairy. i have been suffering with phlegm and when showering i end up gagging and throwing up. the dr did an allergy test by scratching my back. i am needing a second opinion?

A member asked:

Is the scratch test for environmental allergies accurate and useful?

A member asked:

Should a chronic hive sufferer who is prone to allergies to meds also avoid high risk foods such as peanut butter, fish? food scratch test negative.

A member asked:

I've been "back scratch" tested for allergies. can the doctors do a allergy tests for specific types?

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