How Much Is An Allergy Test With and Without Insurance?
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 Type | Description |
|---|---|
| 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 Test | If the skin prick test is inconclusive, the provider will inject some of the substance under the skin to check for a reaction. |
| Patch Tests | Used for allergies that cause skin reactions. A substance is placed directly on the skin and monitored for a rash. |
| Blood Test | Looks 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 Test | For food allergies, involves swallowing a small amount of the suspected substance and being monitored for reactions. Only performed by specialists. |
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Dvora is a recent medical graduate and current MPH student who is passionate about women’s health and health equity. She hopes to specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is excited to join the Mira team in empowering people through healthcare. In her spare time she enjoys exercise, reading and spending time with her family and her dog, Dash.