allergy testing

[SaraFR]

I've been thinking about getting my boys (4 yo and 2.5 yo) tested for allergies. Which allergy tests are available? What are the advantages and disadvantages to each? Which is likely to be covered by insurance (I hate to ask this one but it's being practical)?

[KatWrangler]

I will let you know. We go to the Allergist this afternoon. My son had the skin prick test at about 7 months of age and then the RAST at a year of age. I was under the impression the skin prick test was more accurate. I will ask the new Allergist today.

[mclisa]

The skin prick is more accurate, but you have to have a child old enough to tolerate it. Your 4 yr old might, but I'm not sure about the 2.5 yr old.

We used the ImmunoCap blood test. Yes, you do need to draw blood from a vein, but that isn't so bad.

What allergies are you concerned about? Foods? Environmental? You can do a comprehensive food panel or a comprehensive inhalent panel. Or there are panels that combine it. The inhalents are based on your geographical area.