How Much Does Allergy Testing Cost In 2022? | Mira

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There are many types of allergies, each requiring a different test to diagnose. On average, a skin test for allergies will cost between $60 to $300, and a blood test for allergies can cost between $200 to $1,000 if paying without insurance. With allergies affecting over 50 million Americans and being the 6th leading cause of long-term illness in the USA, it is essential for people to understand the actual cost of allergy testing and treatment.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies occur when your body’s immune system overreacts to a non-harmful substance. The symptoms of an allergic reaction range from mild to severe, with the most dangerous type of allergy - anaphylaxis - causing hospitalization and even death.

Many substances can cause allergic reactions, including items from both indoor and outdoor settings. Outdoor allergies (also called hay fever) are a common type of allergy. The top causes of outdoor allergies include:

  • Pollen
  • Dust mites
  • Mold
  • Animal dander
  • Poor air quality
  • Insects

Another common type of allergy seen in 32 million Americans (26 million adults and 5.6 million children) is a food allergy. For adults, the most common food allergy is shellfish, followed by peanuts and tree nuts, while in children, the most common allergy is to milk, followed by eggs and peanuts.

Other allergies seen often in the US include drug allergies (most commonly to penicillin), which affect up to 10% of the population, and latex allergies, which are seen in 4.3% of people and are especially high among healthcare workers.

5 Popular Types of Allergy Tests

There are a few types of allergy tests, and the test your provider will perform depends on your specific set of symptoms and the suspected cause of the allergy. These tests include:

Test TypeDescription
Skin Prick (Scratch Test)A long, thin needle pricks the skin with potential allergens to see which may be the culprit for allergy symptoms.
Intradermal Skin TestIf the skin prick test is inconclusive, the provider will inject some of the substance under the skin to check for a reaction.
Patch TestsUsed for allergies that cause skin reactions. A substance is placed directly on the skin and monitored for a rash.
Blood TestLooks for the presence of IgE, an antibody high in people with allergies. It has a high level of false positives and cannot pinpoint the allergy.
Challenge TestFor food allergies, involves swallowing a small amount of the suspected substance and being monitored for reactions. Only performed by specialists.

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