Food allergy test
in Massachusetts

Food Allergy Testing FAQs

• How is food allergy testing done?

  Food allergy testing can take several forms, including a skin test or a blood test. A skin test involves placing a little amount of the suspect food on your skin using a special needle that lightly scrapes the skin. If you get a rash or a raised bump after eating something, you're probably allergic to it. A blood test will look for allergy-related antibodies in your blood.

• How much does a food allergy test cost?

  The cost of a food allergy test is determined by factors such as the number of tests required and the tests required. A skin allergy test can cost anywhere from $60 to $300, depending on the food or item being tested. A blood test might cost anything from $200 to $1000.

• Does insurance cover food allergy testing?

  If you have health insurance, you should check ahead of time to see if food allergy tests are covered by your policy. Your insurance provider, for example, may cover skin allergy tests but not blood tests. Before your insurance company pays for any tests, you may have to fulfill your deductible. You can always call your insurance carrier if you have questions regarding the specifics of your coverage.

• How do I read food allergy test results?

  You will wait in your doctor's office if you have a skin test to see whether you have any reactions. Your doctor will look for a wheal, which is characterized by a raised hump surrounded by a flare of red skin that can be itchy. A large wheal and flare, in general, suggest a more severe allergic reaction. Your blood will be sent to a lab to be examined for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies as part of a blood test.

• How long does food allergy testing take?

  You should anticipate to spend 20 to 40 minutes in your doctor's office for a skin test while a nurse or doctor watches for a reaction. Drawing a blood sample, which will be sent to a lab for processing, takes only a few minutes for a blood test.

• How long does it take to get food allergy test results?

  A skin test will tell you right away if you have an allergic reaction to a certain meal. Although your healthcare provider may urge you to wait at the doctor's office longer to ensure you don't have a serious allergic response, skin reactions usually happen within 15 minutes. The blood sample must be sent to a lab for analysis, and the findings may take several days to arrive.

• Where should I get a food allergy test?

  Allergy tests are available at many doctors' clinics, but it's usually best to consult a specialist. Allergists are doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic disorders. If you test positive for a food allergy, an allergist will work with you to build a treatment plan and, if necessary, prescribe medication. You can get a referral to an allergist from your primary care physician or your insurance company.

• How accurate are food allergy tests?

  Testing for food allergies isn't an exact science. Food Allergy Research & Education estimates that 50 to 60 percent of skin tests are false positives. That means you could have an allergic reaction to anything even though you aren't allergic to it. If you get a negative reaction to a skin test, your doctor may want to do other tests to confirm the diagnosis. False negative skin tests, on the other hand, are extremely uncommon.

• How can I book a food allergy test through Solv?

  It's simple to schedule a food allergy test with Solv. Start typing "food allergy" into the search box on our website. An option for a "food allergy test" will emerge. Select the option to use your current location or enter your city or ZIP code. You'll find a list of providers and open appointments on the next page. Choose a time and location that is convenient for you, then fill out the form to schedule an appointment.

• Can I do at-home food allergy testing?

  Home food allergy test kits are available, however they are not always accurate. Some home test kits assess a different type of antibody than IgE antibodies, which does not indicate a true food allergy. Some home test kits may require you to send in a hair sample, which is likewise devoid of IgE antibodies. Making an appointment with an allergist is the best way to acquire an accurate diagnosis.