Does blue cross blue shield cover allergy testing

These tests will help you and your healthcare provider or allergist know what substances cause your allergy symptoms. Diagnostic tests for allergies may include:

• Skin tests. These are the most common allergy tests. Skin tests measure if you have IgE antibodies to certain allergens such as foods, pollens, or animal dander. A small amount of allergen is put on the skin. The area is then pricked or scratched. If you are allergic to the allergen, a small raised bump like a mosquito bite appears after about 15 minutes. Testing for many allergens may be done at the same time. An allergist may also do an intradermal test. In this test, you are given a shot (injection) of a small amount of allergen just under the skin. This type of skin testing is more sensitive than prick or scratch testing. Skin test results are available right after the testing is done.

• Blood tests. Blood tests for allergies measure IgE antibodies to certain allergens in the blood. The testing that is most often used is called RAST (radioallergosorbent test). Or you may have a newer blood test called an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Blood tests may be used when skin tests can't be done. For instance, you may have a blood test if you have certain skin conditions or a very recent severe allergic reaction. A positive blood test does not always mean that you have a specific allergy. These tests take longer to get results and may cost more than skin testing.

• Challenge test. This test is always supervised by an allergist. You eat or breathe in (inhale) a very small amount of an allergen. Then you are closely watched for an allergic reaction. Challenge testing is often done to test for food or medicine allergies when an allergist thinks you have a low risk for reaction. Don't try this at home.

Your healthcare provider will talk with you about the test results. They know your health history and will be able to advise the best way to manage or treat your allergy.

Online Medical Reviewer: Deborah Pedersen MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 3/1/2022

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.

If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you probably anticipate a certain level of misery when spring is in the air. Maybe you believe the annual battle with pollen is lost before it even begins.

Allergies are more than a pesky inconvenience. Symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. The effects can be severe or even life threatening — especially if you live with asthma. While there isn’t a simple cure, there are a number of ways to make allergy season much more bearable.

Prevent allergy triggers

Allergens are everywhere. There are actually more allergy-causing pollutants indoors than outdoors! Luckily, there are simple ways to allergy-proof your house and reduce exposure to these allergens.

• Dust and vacuum often to reduce dust mites. If needed, wear a mask when cleaning and then leave for a few hours to avoid allergens in the air.

• Animals with fur or feathers can trigger allergic reactions. If you have pets you can’t part with, at least keep them out of the bedroom.

• When pollen is in the air, keep your doors and windows closed and change the filter for your air conditioner often. If possible, stay inside during the peak pollen time. This usually occurs between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Take advantage of member discounts on allergy relief products, such as pillow and mattress encasings; air filtration products; anti-allergen carpet and furniture treatments; personal care products for sensitive skin; and nasal irrigation devices and saline solutions for sinus relief.

Don’t suffer through symptoms

There are many prescription and non-prescription medications to treat the symptoms of allergies. Talk to your doctor about a treatment plan that’s right for you.

• Antihistamines relieve rashes and hives, sneezing, itching and runny nose.

• Decongestants reduce stuffiness by shrinking swollen membranes in the nose.

• Eye drops provide temporary relief from burning or bloodshot eyes.

• Corticosteroid creams or ointments relieve itchiness and stop the spread of rashes.

• Immunotherapy (allergy shots) desensitize reactions to certain allergens over time by providing increasingly higher doses of allergen(s). They are not effective for all allergy types.

Allergies and asthma

Asthma is a serious, life-threatening chronic respiratory disease that affects quality of life for almost 25 million Americans, including an estimated 7 million children. Although there isn’t a known cure, asthma can be controlled through medical treatment and management of environmental triggers.

During allergy season, the air is especially full of substances that can cause asthma symptoms and attacks. If you have asthma, work with your doctor to identify specific triggers and develop a treatment plan to reduce exposure.

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