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How is Allergy Diagnosed? The most important diagnostic tool is the history of the illness. The patient’s description of the problem leads to a diagnosis 90% of the time. Skin tests are used to confirm this impression and to define exactly which allergens are involved. For over 75 years skin testing has been the standard method of identifying allergens. Since 1960 a blood test has been developed which identifies Immunoglobulin E, IgE, in the blood. Experience has shown this method to be less sensitive and less accurate than skin testing. Moreover, skin tests can be performed at the cost of $6 to $8 per allergen. Blood testing usually costs $20 to $25 per allergen. Because of less accuracy and higher costs, medical insurance plans are currently limiting coverage for the blood test of allergies. This office uses blood tests for patients whose skin reacts to everything and for those who have a strong fear of skin testing.
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