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Allergy Blood Tests: About These Tests

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What are they?

Allergy blood tests look for substances in the blood. These are called antibodies. Your body makes them in response to allergens. Allergens are things that the body is allergic to.

There are many types of these blood tests. They include:

  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, EIA).
  • Radioallergosorbent testing (RAST).
  • Immunoassay capture test. (These include ImmunoCAP, UniCAP, and Pharmacia CAP.)
  • Fluoro-allergosorbent testing (FAST).
  • Multiple antigen simultaneous testing (MAST).

Why are these tests done?

These blood tests are done to find out what things you are allergic to.

How are these tests done?

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample. It's most often done in the arm.

What happens after these tests?

The results of allergy blood tests are often ready in about 7 days.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: October 25, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.