How Are Children Tested for Allergies?

Is your child miserable in the spring or fall when pollen levels are high? If your loved one constantly has a runny nose, itchy eyes, and/or nasal congestion, they may have environmental allergies.

Has your child ever been stung by a bee or other insect? If your child has a severe reaction to an insect sting, you want to be sure to have your child tested for an insect allergy. Your child could suffer anaphylaxis if they’re stung again.

On the other hand, does your child have an itchy rash that they can’t stop scratching? Many babies and children develop eczema from an allergy to specific foods or other substances. 

Our board-certified allergists with Advanced Allergy & Asthma provide expert allergy testing to pinpoint the cause of your child’s symptoms. We use blood tests and skin tests just as we do to determine allergies in adults. 

Skin test for allergies 

We make tiny pricks on the surface of your child’s skin that contain a tiny amount of allergens. You wait with your child for 20 minutes after the test, and we examine your child’s skin. 

If your child develops a red, itchy bump in one or more places where we prick the skin, they are most likely allergic to those substances. The reaction may make your child uncomfortable; we administer an antihistamine to help them feel better. 

Blood test for allergies 

We need to draw a blood sample from your child to complete a blood test. Blood test results aren’t immediate; we'll have them in a few days. The blood test contains a numeric value that we can track over time.

If the blood test is negative, your child is very likely not allergic to a substance. There’s less certainty when testing for food allergens via blood tests. There’s up to a 50% chance that your loved one isn’t allergic to a substance.

Food tests for allergies 

You may have already noticed that your child reacts to specific foods. Allergy testing can confirm your observation.

Based on the skin and blood tests and your observations, your child can begin an elimination diet. You withhold specific foods for a period we designate (usually 2-4 weeks). Your child begins eating a very small amount of the food you suspect is causing the problem. Is there a reaction? If your child has had severe symptoms, we can reintroduce the food in our office to ensure your child’s safety.

Your child may outgrow some childhood food allergies. Your loved one has an 80% chance of outgrowing allergies to milk and eggs, but only a 20% chance of outgrowing a peanut or tree nut allergy.  

Preparing your child for allergy tests

While adults tolerate allergy tests well, they may be upsetting for your little one. Most children don’t like needles. You’ve already experienced your child’s reaction to blood tests in your primary care provider’s office.

Bring a distraction for toddlers and young children, such as a book, a tablet movie, or a favorite toy.

You’ll need to stop giving your child allergy medication the week before the allergist tests. We provide a complete list of medications that must be temporarily discontinued.

We help you determine exactly what substances provoke an allergic reaction in your child. Medication, food elimination diets, and/or allergy shots help control your loved one’s allergies.

Call Advanced Allergy & Asthma or request an appointment through our online portal today if you suspect your child has allergies.