Allergy is caused due to the sensitivity towards some harmless allergens when they enter our bodies. They are different types of allergies identified in humans. Seasonal allergy, like ‘hay fever’ occurs in most of the people in our country during the fall season. Also, people with a family history of asthma or allergies, and children are at a higher risk of developing an allergy. We highly recommend people who suspect prolonged unusual symptoms of an allergy get tested for allergy tests immediately.
The article below covers all the significant topics of allergy tests like allergy test cost, allergy test cost with insurance, what is an allergy, types of allergies, symptoms of an allergy, risk factors, test procedure, preparation, treatment, and prevention.
- Allergy test cost
- What is an allergy?
- What is an allergen?
- Type of allergies
- Symptoms of an allergy
- Type of tests to determine the allergy
- Is there any preparation required before the test?
- How is an allergy diagnosed?
- What are the complications of allergy?
- Risk factors and prevention.
- Provider locations
For our readers, who would like to know more about the allergy test cost beforehand, we begin with that section.
How much does the allergy test cost?
Allergy test cost varies between $29 and $1,450 in different labs and facilities across the U.S. Allergy test cost also depends on the choice of your testing for specific allergy (for example, seasonal allergy, dust allergy, etc.) or testing for allergy as a whole (i.e, food allergy profile, insect allergy profile, etc.).
Compare the price, order your test online and visit the nearest lab during lab business hours. Complete the procedure and get the results in your email in 2 to 3 business days. Doctor consultation is also available for further treatment or any kind of medical advice.
The following table shows the allergy test cost at our partner network with over 4500 laboratories (CLIA – Certified) across the U.S.
Name of our Partner Lab | Book Online |
HealthLabs
| Starting from$29 |
Allergy test cost with insurance
Insurance companies in the U.S. cover allergy testing costs. But, our allergy testing providers do not accept any health insurance. In the case of your insurance company assuring for reimbursement, our providers can give you the receipt containing all the details needed for reimbursement purposes.
It is recommended to check with your insurance company regarding the reimbursement if you get tested with the above service providers.
Allergy test cost without insurance
Normally, the allergy test providers mentioned above do not accept insurance. You are required to pay out of your pocket. Though the insurance is not covered, the allergy test cost offered by the above providers is the lowest.
The average allergy test cost without insurance is around $800. But, our average allergy test cost is only $300. You can contact the service provider for more information.
What is an allergy?
Allergy is a proactive response caused by the immune system to fight against certain foreign substances entering the body. These foreign substances are ideally harmless. Our immune system produces antibodies to fight against the harmful pathogens that can cause illness entering the body.
When you come into close contact with some of the harmless foreign substances, the immune system mistakes and triggers the symptoms like inflammation, rashes, etc.
What is an allergen?
The harmless foreign substances entering the body are called allergens. Allergens cause allergic reactions. Some common allergens are
- Animal products (pet dander, waste of dust mite)
- Drugs
- Food (wheat, egg, peanuts, fish)
- Spices
- Insects
- Pollens from different plants
- Metals
- Other allergens like latex (a milky fluid produced by many plants)
What are the types of allergy?
There are different types of allergies based on allergens. Some of the common types of allergies and their allergens are mentioned below.
1. Food Allergy
Food allergic reaction occurs when the immune system reacts against some specific food substance (allergen), identifying it as the harmful foreign substance entering the body. Common allergens causing food allergies are
- Wheat
- Eggs
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Fish
- Soy
- Shellfish
2. Dust Allergy
Dust allergies are reactions caused by dust allergens like dust mites, pollens, pet hair, fur, and feathers.
3. Seasonal Allergy
Seasonal allergy is the allergic reaction that occurs only during a particular time period of the year like spring, summer, and fall caused due to tree or grass pollination. It is also called “Hay Fever” because the symptoms of seasonal allergies mostly occur during the fall hay harvest season when the pollens would be widespread in the air.
4. Insect Allergy
Insect allergic reactions occur when some insects like wasps, yellow jackets, honeybees, fire ants, and hornets sting.
5. Pet Allergy
Allergic reactions caused due to pets like cats and dogs is called pet allergy. Some people might be allergic only to the dander (tiny flakes shed from the pet’s skin like dandruff in humans) of the pets.
6. Drug Allergy
Allergic reaction caused due to intake of specific drugs like penicillin, sulfa drugs, aspirin, chemotherapy drugs is called drug allergy.
What are the symptoms of allergy?
Allergic reactions trigger symptoms in different parts of the body like the nose, skin, lungs, throat, and lining of the stomach. The symptoms also depend on the type of allergy and the severity of the allergy. The common symptoms of different allergies are
Symptoms of Food Allergy
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Hives (rashes with dangerous swelling)
- Cough
Symptoms of Dust Allergy
- Hives
- Itching in the skin
- Rashes
- Swelling in the face
- Wheezing
- Anaphylaxis (acute allergic reaction where the body becomes hypersensitive)
Symptoms of Seasonal Allergy
- Sneezing
- Itching in the eyes, nose, and mouth
- Running nose
- Redness or swelling in the eyes (conjunctivitis)
Symptoms of Insect Allergy
- Swelling and inflammation around the sting area
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Difficulty in swallowing and breathing
- Increase in pulse rate
- Dizziness
- Swelling in the airways
Symptoms of Pet Allergy
- Running nose
- Itching
- Inflammation in the eyes
- Teary eyes
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
Symptoms of Drug Allergy
- Hives
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain in the abdomen
- A decrease in blood pressure
Types of tests to determine the allergy
Your physician may ask you to explain all the signs and symptoms you experienced. Then, he/she will decide to do any of the following tests.
1. Skin Test
The skin test is the common allergy test performed by the allergist. During this test, the allergist will prick your skin using small needles that contain potential allergens. The reaction in the skin is noted and if you are allergic to a particular allergen, the skin becomes red and inflamed.
2. Blood Test
A simple blood test will be done to check the presence of allergy-causing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These are the cells that react to allergens. Your physician can easily diagnose the allergy using the blood test results.
If your physician suspects that you might have other problems rather than allergies, he/she might order other medical tests to identify the exact problem.
Is there any preparation required before the test?
There is no special preparation needed before the blood sample collection or skin test.
How is an allergy diagnosed?
There are different allergy treatments available that are dependent on the severity of the allergy. Some of the allergy treatments are explained below.
1. Allergy Medication
Allergy medications are recommended by the physician to control the symptoms. Some of the allergy medications include
- Benadryl
- Corticosteroids
- Zyrtec
- Claritin
- Gastrocrom
- Decongestants like Afrin, Suphedrine PE, Sudafed
- Leukotriene modifiers like Singular, Zyflo
2. Immunotherapy
This treatment involves several injections of allergen extracts given over a period of few years. Another form of this treatment is to place a tablet under the tongue until it dissolves. For the treatment of pollen allergies, sublingual drugs are used.
3. Emergency epinephrine
In case of severe allergy, emergency epinephrine shots are given. Epinephrine shot counters the allergic reactions immediately. Common brands for this treatment are EpiPen and Twinject.
What are the complications of allergy?
Allergy increases the risk of getting other medical problems like
- Asthma (respiratory disease)
- Anaphylaxis
- Sinusitis
- Infection in the lungs
Risk factors
People with a family history of asthma or allergies and children are at a higher risk of developing the allergy.
How to prevent allergy?
There are no known ways to prevent allergies. There are only ways to prevent the occurrence of allergy symptoms. The best way to prevent the occurrence is to stay away from the allergen which causes allergy. Proper allergy testing should be done to know the exact allergens causing allergy in order to stay away from them in the future.
Allergy test providers location
Allergy testing can be done in any of the following locations by visiting the nearest lab. To know the allergy test cost, refer to the first section of the article.
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my testing cost?
No, insurance will not be covered in the billing. However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
How should I book my appointment?
You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them.
Can I cancel my lab test order?
Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider.
Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed.
How do I receive my report?
To ensure your privacy, the test report will be mailed to you by the provider.
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