For Providers
Allergy Testing Advantages & Limitations
So what are the advantages and limitations of allergy skin testing and blood testing through our ImmunoCAP Reference Laboratory?
Method comparison
Skin testing vs. in vitro testing
ADVANTAGES
- Immediate results
- Enables you to track delayed reactions
- Typically more sensitive than in-vitro tests
- Potential revenue stream to practice
LIMITATIONS
- More difficult for needle averse
- Not for all patient populations – infants, needle averse, severe anaphylaxis risk, skin disease
- Requires suspension of some medications before testing
- Not recommended for food testing diagnosis
- Staff and materials required
ADVANTAGES
- Low risk for highly sensitive patients
- Requires little staff time or overhead
- Allows additional tests at a later date with serum sample
- Medication suspension not required before testing
- Ideal for testing food allergy
- Quantifiable measure
- Revenue stream in some states where allowed
LIMITATIONS
- Results available within 3-5 days
- Less sensitive than skin testing
- Can be more costly than skin testing
Keep reading
More on allergy testing diagnostics
Allergy Testing Diagnostics
The right allergy testing diagnostics help you target allergy treatment specific to your patients’ needs with a clear and accurate diagnoses.
Learn moreAllergy Skin Testing Training
Allergy skin testing training empowers you to use a quick, easy-to-administer, industry-leading tool with specific, reproducible results.
Learn more
Next step
Offer allergy drops in your practice
Request a call and see how the La Crosse Method™ Protocol fits your workflow.


