It seems like there are so many things to potentially be allergic to. How does/could a lab determine what someone is allergic to?
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Most allergy tests are not done at labs but at an allergist’s office. They don’t test you for every possible allergen in existence, that would be impossible, as you pointed out. They just test you for a few dozen of the most common allergens by using a skin prick to apply small amount of it to your skin to see if you have a reaction. You’ll only be tested for uncommon allergens if you have a specific complaint or symptoms that indicate an allergy to that substance.
Basically, they have small samples of dozens of the most common allergens and rub some of each one on you, and see which ones your body reacts negatively to. They often make a grid pattern on your back, then rub small amounts of each allergen in one square, so that when they see which squares on your back become irritated, they know which items you are allergic to.
The most common is they apply the most common allergens to your skin, usually in a grid pattern, and then check to see if there’s a reaction to it. Swelling, redness, etc.
I recently had an allergy test done. Sometimes they test you by drawing blood, but when a more detailed test is needed they prick you with these little needles that have a very small amounts of different allergens on them. if you are allergic the spot they pricked you with will swell up and itch.
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