How to Choose The At-Home Allergy Tests

Allergies affect a lot of people — more than 50 million in the United States alone, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Understanding what triggers a reaction is the first step in properly managing your allergy. One way to do that is through an at-home test.

It’s important to understand that an at-home allergy test isn’t a substitute for seeing a qualified healthcare professional. However, if you can’t see one in person, a home allergy test may be a good short-term option.

To help you decide which one is right for your needs, we have top tips for what to look for in an at-home allergy test.

Best at-home allergy test for unknown allergies: Everlywell Indoor & Outdoor Allergy Test

How do at-home allergy tests work?

When you visit an allergist, dermatologist, or primary care physician to diagnose an allergy, they use several different types of analyses. Typically, this includes skin prick testing and an immunoglobulin E (IgE) blood test. You’ll also go over your medical history and any symptoms.

Most at-home allergy tests use a small blood sample. When you order a kit, you’ll receive everything you need to take the sample.

After pricking your finger with the included lancet, you’ll squeeze a drops of blood onto the card or sample tube provided before mailing it back to the test company. Kits include detailed directions and all the materials you need.

Many of the companies partner with labs around the country. In those cases, you’ll purchase the test online, then visit a nearby lab for the blood draw. A doctor’s visit isn’t required and there are no hidden fees. Plus, insurance isn’t required.

After you send in your sample or have your blood drawn, it will be tested at a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified lab. This certification indicates that the lab has met standards for state and federal certification and is regularly inspected to ensure compliance. Tests are also reviewed and approved by board certified physicians.

Companies that provide these at-home allergy tests should also be Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant, so you can be sure your test results are securely stored.

Some at-home allergy tests use hair samples instead of blood. While these tend to be less expensive, they’re largely considered inaccurate. Hair doesn’t have IgE antibodies.

What’s the difference between an allergy and an intolerance?

There’s a difference between being allergic to a food and being intolerant to it.

True food allergies trigger the immune system, which causes the body’s reaction. With a food sensitivity (or food intolerance), which is more common than a food allergy, the digestive system causes the body’s reaction. Food sensitivities are caused by the body’s inability to properly process a food.

While food sensitivities aren’t typically life threatening, food allergies can be.

Symptoms

The body will react differently to a food allergy than it will to a food sensitivity.

Symptoms of an allergy include:

  • hives
  • swelling
  • itching
  • dizziness
  • rashes
  • anaphylaxis

A food sensitivity has symptoms like:

    gas
  • bloating
  • cramping
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • nausea
  • malnutrition
  • dehydration
  • elevated heart rate
    • rash
  • fatigue
Testing differences

While food allergy blood tests measure IgE, many food sensitivity home tests measure immunoglobulin G, or IgG, antibodies. These antibodies develop in response to certain foods, but their presence doesn’t necessarily indicate an intolerance. That can be misleading to anyone testing at home.

Pros and cons of at-home allergy tests

There are advantages and drawbacks to completing an IgE allergy blood test at home.

How to choose the best at-home allergy test for you

There’s a lot of variation in at-home allergy tests, particularly in terms of how samples are taken and which antibodies are tested, as well as the business model of the company offering the tests.

For allergen testing, consider:

  • kits that require a blood sample for IgE testing
  • accredited labs and results reviewed by a physician
  • companies that offer some kind of service that helps people interpret their results
  • the range of allergies tested for
  • customer reviews
  • pricing

If you decide to move forward with an at-home test, it’s important to look for one from a reputable company that works with CLIA certified labs and offers guidance on results.

Learn more

Check reviews on third-party platforms, if available, and remember that results shouldn’t be considered a diagnosis. Instead, it’s information that can help you make decisions about next steps. Ideally, you’ll share results with a doctor for guidance on what to do next.

Best at-home allergy test for unknown allergies

Everlywell Indoor & Outdoor Allergy Test

Price: $199

Everlywell’s Indoor & Outdoor Allergy Test measures IgE reactivity to 40 common allergens inside and out. It’s a good option if you need help narrowing potential causes of ongoing symptoms like an itchy throat, watery eyes, postnasal drip, sneezing, rashes, and headaches.

Test results report your IgE reactivity from very low to very high, along with advice about next steps to consider. The kit comes with all the materials needed for the pinprick sample collection, detailed directions, and customer service if you need help.

Lab results come from CLIA certified labs and are physician-reviewed. The test has an overall 5-star rating on Everlywell’s site.

How to use an at-home allergy test result

Many healthcare professionals consider at-home allergy tests unreliable. The worst-case scenario is interpreting the results on your own and then taking steps to address an allergy that may not be warranted.

It’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional, and that’s still true if you decide that an at-home allergy test is your best option. Ask a doctor for advice on any tests you may be considering and discuss results with a healthcare professional who knows your health history

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