Patients who may have allergies can undergo allergy testing to optimize their healthcare and avoid future allergic reactions. It's important to be properly informed about allergy testing if you are concerned about allergies you may have.

The following are six things you shouldn't assume about allergy testing.  

You don't need allergy testing

Neglecting to have allergy testing done after you've experienced an allergic reaction or symptoms of allergies could severely compromise your health. Consult with your doctor and make sure that you promptly schedule testing if your doctor tells you that you need it. 

You can never eat a food again if allergy testing determines that you're allergic to it

If an allergy test discovers that you have an allergy, you'll undergo further testing to make sure that it wasn't a false positive.

If further testing verifies the allergy, you might not necessarily have to completely remove the substance from your diet or environment. Your body may tolerate limited exposure to the substance in question. It's also possible to outgrow an allergy with time. This is particularly common for infants and children with allergies. 

Speak with your doctor to learn how you should handle your new allergy.

Your health insurance doesn't cover allergy testing

You shouldn't forego allergy testing because you think your insurance won't cover it until you've checked the details of your coverage. You'll be glad to know that most health insurance plans cover not only allergy testing but also any treatment that is needed after testing. 

Undergoing allergy testing is painful

Allergy testing typically involves the use of lancets to expose the body to different substances. Fortunately, this process is not painful because the lancets only very barely penetrate the skin and don't cause any bleeding. While allergy testing might involve some momentary discomfort, it is not a painful process. 

The allergy testing process is exactly the same for everyone

Allergy testing is typically tailored to the unique needs of individual patients. Allergy testing can include not only skin tests but also blood tests or challenges.

When you undergo allergy testing, your allergist will devise a testing procedure depending on the details of your medical history and any past allergic responses you've had. 

You must be treated through immunotherapy if allergy testing determines that you have an allergy

Immunotherapy is one possible type of treatment for patients with allergies. However, it is not the only treatment available. In addition to immunotherapy, patients with allergies can also be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, and more. 

Reach out to an allergy testing provider to learn more.