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Allergies and intolerances

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Original poster

Private allergy test

11 replies

Ellayxx · 05/03/2025 15:24

Has anyone ever used an allergy test that you can buy online or know anything about them? Or how have they gone about getting an allergy test done either privately or with the GP. I have been asking for one for what feels like forever and getting no where so I have been looking into getting it done privately but also came across some that you can do at home...

OP posts:
Whyherewego · 05/03/2025 15:26

I had a long battle with DS allergies. The blood tests you do at home are very inaccurate and so the gold standard is really the skin prick test done in a clinic. Not sure if this is possible privately. I guess so. We did the home ones and they got some things right but quite a lot of false positives

Original poster
Ellayxx · 05/03/2025 15:29

Whyherewego · 05/03/2025 15:26

I had a long battle with DS allergies. The blood tests you do at home are very inaccurate and so the gold standard is really the skin prick test done in a clinic. Not sure if this is possible privately. I guess so. We did the home ones and they got some things right but quite a lot of false positives

I have seen one that is a skin prick test that you can do at home I was wondering about that one. It's so frustrating isn't it I feel like I'm pulling my hair out!!

OP posts:
Original poster
Ellayxx · 05/03/2025 15:30

Whyherewego · 05/03/2025 15:26

I had a long battle with DS allergies. The blood tests you do at home are very inaccurate and so the gold standard is really the skin prick test done in a clinic. Not sure if this is possible privately. I guess so. We did the home ones and they got some things right but quite a lot of false positives

Sorry i know what you mean, I didn't realise that the skin prick one at home is different

OP posts:
Whyherewego · 05/03/2025 16:01

I think they just have a bigger error rate compared to "gold standard" in a clinic. But as far as I know it's false positives ie you get more indicators of allergy then you really have but definitely double check that

Grumpytoday · 07/03/2025 09:53

It’s IgE tests you need.
They’re the ones doctors do.

IgG testing, which you can also get either online or in person are useless.
Don’t go near them. Quackery.

Hair testing is also useless.

NCTDN · 11/04/2025 20:10

I was just coming in to ask about allergy testing kits. I’ve developed an allergy to something but I have no idea what. It’s so frustrating asi keep coming out in hives. I was hoping that if I used a home testing kit, I could then go to my go with the results and ask for any positive ones to be looked at in more detail?

Grumpytoday · 11/04/2025 20:53

The doctors do IgE tests for suspected allergies.

Home testing is usually for IgG which is not scientifically valid and a waste of money.

Just go to your doctor I’d say.

ScaryM0nster · 11/04/2025 21:06

When you say skin prick, do you mean one that collects a mini blood sample?

Or one that puts different allergens on you and pricks your skin with each?

Grumpytoday · 12/04/2025 10:34

@ScaryM0nster
The second way is how it’s done in clinics.

I’m not sure what OP meant by skin prick at home either though…my guess is she meant a mini blood sample, so not the same sort of test?🤔

Anewdawnanewname · 15/04/2025 08:22

I was just looking for reviews of the home testing kits that use a strand of hair, was hoping to see what sets off sneezing most mornings and the dr isn’t interested.

Grumpytoday · 15/04/2025 12:42

Anewdawnanewname · 15/04/2025 08:22

I was just looking for reviews of the home testing kits that use a strand of hair, was hoping to see what sets off sneezing most mornings and the dr isn’t interested.

@Anewdawnanewname

Hair testing for allergies has no validity.
Please save your money! The link below offers advice.

https://www.healthline.com/health/morning-allergies

If you do think it’s allergies then IgE testing is what you ultimately need (n.b. not IgG!)

Morning Allergies: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Learn what might be causing allergy symptoms — such as coughing, sneezing, and runny nose — in the morning, and how to treat and prevent these symptoms.

https://www.healthline.com/health/morning-allergies

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