In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleIs an At-Home Allergy Test Right for You?What Healthcare Providers Want You to KnowWhen to See a Healthcare ProfessionalCompare Providers
In This ArticleView All
In This Article
View All
Is an At-Home Allergy Test Right for You?
What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Compare Providers
With so many at-home allergy tests on the market, it’s important to do your research before choosing one.The majority of at-home allergy tests use a simple finger prick method to draw a blood sample for you to mail to a lab for testing.The lab will thenexpose your blood sample to the various allergens you want to test for and look for IgE antibody reactivity.A reaction implies that you may have an allergy to the specific allergen.
At-home allergy testing kits vary greatly in how samples are taken and which antibodies are being tested. To help you navigate the multitude of at-home allergy test kits available today, our team researched and tested dozens of at-home allergy kits to present you with the best ones on the market. We alsoconsidered customer reviews, the ease of performing the test at home, affordability, and company support provided(follow-up or instructions about what to do with results).
Pros of at-home allergy tests:
Cons of at-home allergy tests:
These kits are not a suitable substitute for visiting an allergist, a qualified physician specializing in detecting and treatingallergies. In addition to blood testing typically conducted with at-home allergy tests, an allergist usesmultiple forms of analysis, including your medical history and symptoms after exposure to potential allergens, to ensure acorrect diagnosis.Confirming a severe allergy requires an allergist to expose you to possible triggers. This can cause life-threatening reactions and should only be done with medical supervision.
If you experience a severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, consult an allergist for further evaluation rather than take an at-home allergy test. If you test negative but are experiencing symptoms of an intolerance or allergy, you should consult your healthcare provider.
Best Overall: Test My AllergyTestMyAllergyBuy on Testmyallergy.comUse code “Verywell5” to save an additional 5% on top on generic site discounts.Key SpecsCost:Individual test starts at $169; couples test kit $299; family test kit $597Allergens Tested:78 food and environment allergens/intolerancesTest Type:Finger prickProcessing Time: Within 5 to 7 daysWhy We Chose ItTest My Allergy tests for 78 allergens including cheeses, wheat, and eggs, and the results are processed quickly in a downloadable report.Pros & ConsProsChecks for 78 allergens and intolerancesAllergy tests for pets availableTest results received via emailConsCan become very expensiveInvolves finger prickCeliac testing unavailableOverviewThe Combined Allergy & Intolerance test fromTest My Allergyis a standout because it checks for 78 food and environmental substances you might be allergic or intolerant to. By looking for both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies using a method called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the test analyzes your blood to determine what could be bothering you.In addition to its testing capabilities, Test My Allergy’s service is one of the most affordable options on the market at around $169. After ordering from the website you will receive the test kit in the mail with instructions on how to administer the test, and a return mailing kit.Taking the test is simple: Wash your finger with the included alcohol wipe and then use one of two included lancets to prick your finger. Apply a drop of blood to the blood spot card and return it in the provided envelope to the company’s laboratory located in the United Kingdom. Full instructions are included in the kit.You will receive your results via email as a PDF file with a comprehensive explanation.
Best Overall: Test My Allergy
TestMyAllergy
Buy on Testmyallergy.com
Use code “Verywell5” to save an additional 5% on top on generic site discounts.
Key Specs
Why We Chose It
Test My Allergy tests for 78 allergens including cheeses, wheat, and eggs, and the results are processed quickly in a downloadable report.
Pros & Cons
ProsChecks for 78 allergens and intolerancesAllergy tests for pets availableTest results received via emailConsCan become very expensiveInvolves finger prickCeliac testing unavailable
ProsChecks for 78 allergens and intolerancesAllergy tests for pets availableTest results received via email
Checks for 78 allergens and intolerances
Allergy tests for pets available
Test results received via email
ConsCan become very expensiveInvolves finger prickCeliac testing unavailable
Can become very expensive
Involves finger prick
Celiac testing unavailable
Overview
The Combined Allergy & Intolerance test fromTest My Allergyis a standout because it checks for 78 food and environmental substances you might be allergic or intolerant to. By looking for both immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies using a method called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the test analyzes your blood to determine what could be bothering you.
In addition to its testing capabilities, Test My Allergy’s service is one of the most affordable options on the market at around $169. After ordering from the website you will receive the test kit in the mail with instructions on how to administer the test, and a return mailing kit.
Taking the test is simple: Wash your finger with the included alcohol wipe and then use one of two included lancets to prick your finger. Apply a drop of blood to the blood spot card and return it in the provided envelope to the company’s laboratory located in the United Kingdom. Full instructions are included in the kit.
You will receive your results via email as a PDF file with a comprehensive explanation.
Best for Food Sensitivities: Everlywell
Everlywell
Buy on Everlywell.com
ProsChecks for 96 food intolerances and sensitivitiesResults come with physician adviceUser-friendlyConsDoesn’t screen for actual food allergiesExpensive for only checking food sensitivitiesLong time to wait for results
ProsChecks for 96 food intolerances and sensitivitiesResults come with physician adviceUser-friendly
Checks for 96 food intolerances and sensitivities
Results come with physician advice
User-friendly
ConsDoesn’t screen for actual food allergiesExpensive for only checking food sensitivitiesLong time to wait for results
Doesn’t screen for actual food allergies
Expensive for only checking food sensitivities
Long time to wait for results
TheEverlywellFood Sensitivity Test looks for intolerances to 96 different foods at an affordable price (about $199). This test does not screen for actual food allergies, which can cause dangerous symptoms such as swelling of the face and lips or difficulty breathing, but is intended to help guide you in an elimination diet. It identifies potential food sensitivities that may be causing symptoms such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea.
At-home kits used to identify food sensitivities typically look for IgG antibodies. There is some debate about how useful the testing is for these types of antibodies, but smaller studies suggest it can help identify food intolerances and aid in elimination diets for people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and migraines.
Best for Seasonal Allergies: HealthLabs.com
Healthlabs.com
Buy on Healthlabs.com
HealthLabs.com accurately tests for a wide range of seasonal allergies along with many other types of allergies.
ProsTests for seasonal allergiesExamines a wide range of sensitivitiesFast resultsConsMore expensive than othersInvolves going to a testing lab
ProsTests for seasonal allergiesExamines a wide range of sensitivitiesFast results
Tests for seasonal allergies
Examines a wide range of sensitivities
Fast results
ConsMore expensive than othersInvolves going to a testing lab
More expensive than others
Involves going to a testing lab
HealthLabs.comuses IgE analysis for its seasonal allergy testing. If you know when your symptoms usually appear, this may help you narrow down potential culprits and give you greater success in identifying your sensitivities.
While this test is on the pricier side—ranging from approximately $159 to $299 depending on the exact testing panel you choose—it examines a wide range of sensitivities accurately. The most expensive option is for perennial (year-round)allergies such as moldand pet dander, while the lower-priced tests are catered toward individuals who only experience seasonal symptoms.
Best for Cat or Dog Allergies: Accesa LabsAccesalabsBuy on Accesalabs.comKey SpecsCost: About $79Allergens Tested:Common cat and dog allergiesTest Type:In-person lab blood drawProcessing Time:3-4 business daysWhy We Chose ItAccesa Labs offers an inexpensive test that gives you results for common pet allergies in about four days.Pros & ConsProsAffordableLow rate of false-positive resultsQuick turnaroundConsLack of interpretation of resultsNarrow scope of testsInvolves going to a testing labOverviewAccesa Labs’Cat and Dog Allergy Panel test wins big for its potential to provide accurate results at an affordable price despite its requirement to visit a lab. For around $79, you can skip the doctor’s visit and have your blood drawn at a Quest Diagnostics lab, where the sample is tested for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response tocat and dog dander.After you have purchased the test online, an order is sent to the lab. You can then visit the lab to have your blood drawn, and they will submit your blood for testing. Potential drawbacks include a lack of professional help or plain-language guides to interpret the results and the narrow scope of the test. If you’re allergic to something other than a dog or cat, this screening won’t help you much.The analysis is performed using ImmunoCAP technology, a method of testing that shows a very low rate of false-positive results.Test results arrive via email or mobile device in a PDF, and customer service is available to assist you with any questions.
Best for Cat or Dog Allergies: Accesa Labs
Accesalabs
Buy on Accesalabs.com
Accesa Labs offers an inexpensive test that gives you results for common pet allergies in about four days.
ProsAffordableLow rate of false-positive resultsQuick turnaroundConsLack of interpretation of resultsNarrow scope of testsInvolves going to a testing lab
ProsAffordableLow rate of false-positive resultsQuick turnaround
Affordable
Low rate of false-positive results
Quick turnaround
ConsLack of interpretation of resultsNarrow scope of testsInvolves going to a testing lab
Lack of interpretation of results
Narrow scope of tests
Accesa Labs’Cat and Dog Allergy Panel test wins big for its potential to provide accurate results at an affordable price despite its requirement to visit a lab. For around $79, you can skip the doctor’s visit and have your blood drawn at a Quest Diagnostics lab, where the sample is tested for immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in response tocat and dog dander.
After you have purchased the test online, an order is sent to the lab. You can then visit the lab to have your blood drawn, and they will submit your blood for testing. Potential drawbacks include a lack of professional help or plain-language guides to interpret the results and the narrow scope of the test. If you’re allergic to something other than a dog or cat, this screening won’t help you much.
The analysis is performed using ImmunoCAP technology, a method of testing that shows a very low rate of false-positive results.Test results arrive via email or mobile device in a PDF, and customer service is available to assist you with any questions.
Best for Mystery Allergy: Allergy Test
Allergy Test
Buy on Allergytest.co
Allergy Test’s Allergy and Intolerance Test Plus stands out for covering a total of 117 food and environmental allergens and intolerances.
ProsWide variety of allergens/intolerances tested (117)Easy testing and results come quickly via emailIncludes guide to perform elimination of reacting substancesConsExpensiveRequires and at-home finger prick blood test
ProsWide variety of allergens/intolerances tested (117)Easy testing and results come quickly via emailIncludes guide to perform elimination of reacting substances
Wide variety of allergens/intolerances tested (117)
Easy testing and results come quickly via email
Includes guide to perform elimination of reacting substances
ConsExpensiveRequires and at-home finger prick blood test
Expensive
Requires and at-home finger prick blood test
You should receive the test within about 10 days of ordering it on the company’s website. Like most other at-home allergy kits, this test comes with a lancet to prick your finger and a blood sample card that you’ll need to mail in for analysis.
Results will be delivered via email in a PDF with an explanation of the items tested and intolerance levels, as well as any allergies that were identified.
Best for Insect Allergy: Walk-In LabWalk-In LabBuy on Walkinlab.comKey SpecsCost:Cost:About $118 or $128, depending on the labAllergens Tested:5 stinging insectsTest Type:In-person lab blood drawProcessing time:5 to 7 daysWhy We Chose ItWalk-In Lab is an easily ordered and performed test for five common stinging insects.Pros & ConsProsLabCorp test covers six sting allergiesQuick turnaroundPotentially more accurateConsBecomes expensive depending on the test you chooseIn-person blood draw requiredOverviewWalk-In Lab’sAllergy Stinging Insect Profile Blood Test is available at either LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics. The test looks for reactions to common stinging insects: the honeybee, paper wasp, white-faced hornet, yellow jacket, and yellow hornet. (Bumblebee testing is included at LabCorp.) Like some of the other products featured on this list, you will need to visit a LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics location for the blood draw.The test is easily ordered online for around $128 if you plan to use a Quest Diagnostics lab, or $118 if you use LabCorp. (Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp both use highly-reliable ImmunoCAP technology for analysis). You print out a lab order and bring it to a location of your choice. The lab will draw your blood and submit it for testing.Expect to receive the test results electronically in five to seven days. Even with this test, however, it still might be beneficial to speak with your doctor for a more comprehensive analysis to help you understand the results.Insect sting allergies can lead to a serious life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.While you may not experience life-threatening symptoms after the first time you are stung, these symptoms can become more severe the next time you are exposed to insect venom. It’s recommended that you visit a qualified doctor (allergist) for further guidance if you receive a positive result for the Walk-in Lab test.
Best for Insect Allergy: Walk-In Lab
Walk-In Lab
Buy on Walkinlab.com
Walk-In Lab is an easily ordered and performed test for five common stinging insects.
ProsLabCorp test covers six sting allergiesQuick turnaroundPotentially more accurateConsBecomes expensive depending on the test you chooseIn-person blood draw required
ProsLabCorp test covers six sting allergiesQuick turnaroundPotentially more accurate
LabCorp test covers six sting allergies
Potentially more accurate
ConsBecomes expensive depending on the test you chooseIn-person blood draw required
Becomes expensive depending on the test you choose
In-person blood draw required
Walk-In Lab’sAllergy Stinging Insect Profile Blood Test is available at either LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics. The test looks for reactions to common stinging insects: the honeybee, paper wasp, white-faced hornet, yellow jacket, and yellow hornet. (Bumblebee testing is included at LabCorp.) Like some of the other products featured on this list, you will need to visit a LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics location for the blood draw.
The test is easily ordered online for around $128 if you plan to use a Quest Diagnostics lab, or $118 if you use LabCorp. (Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp both use highly-reliable ImmunoCAP technology for analysis). You print out a lab order and bring it to a location of your choice. The lab will draw your blood and submit it for testing.
Expect to receive the test results electronically in five to seven days. Even with this test, however, it still might be beneficial to speak with your doctor for a more comprehensive analysis to help you understand the results.
Insect sting allergies can lead to a serious life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.While you may not experience life-threatening symptoms after the first time you are stung, these symptoms can become more severe the next time you are exposed to insect venom. It’s recommended that you visit a qualified doctor (allergist) for further guidance if you receive a positive result for the Walk-in Lab test.
Best Hair Sample Test: Simply Sensitivity Checks
Simply Health Checks
Buy on Simplysensitivitychecks.com
ProsPainless compared to finger prick and lab blood testsTest checks for allergies to over 900 itemsFast resultsConsMust clip a few strands of hair to complete the testHair tests are not considered very accurate
ProsPainless compared to finger prick and lab blood testsTest checks for allergies to over 900 itemsFast results
Painless compared to finger prick and lab blood tests
Test checks for allergies to over 900 items
ConsMust clip a few strands of hair to complete the testHair tests are not considered very accurate
Must clip a few strands of hair to complete the test
Hair tests are not considered very accurate
If the sight of blood makes you weak in the knees, this is the test for you.Simply Sensitivity Checksuses only a few strands of hair you clip yourself to test for reactions to over 900 listed items. The Ultimate Health test looks at common food intolerances and sensitivities such as dairy, gluten, fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, nuts, metals, minerals, vitamins, additives, and more.
If you choose to take an at-home allergy test using strands of your hair, consult your physician before making drastic changes to your diet.
Compare the Best At-Home Allergy Tests
CostAllergens testedTest TypeProcessing TimeTest My AllergyBest Overall$16970 food & environment allergens/intolerancesFinger prick5 to 7 daysEverlywellBest for Food Sensitivities$199; frequent discount codes96 food sensitivitiesFinger prick1 to 2 weeksHealthLabs.comBest for Seasonal Allergies$159 to $299Wide range depending on test panelIn-person lab blood draw1 to 3 daysAccesa LabsBest for Cat or Dog Allergies$79Common cat and dog allergiesIn-person lab blood draw3 to 4 daysAllergy TestBest for Mystery Allergy$185117 items: 38 food & environment allergies, 79 food intolerancesFinger prick7 days from receiving the sampleWalk-In LabBest for Insect Allergy$118 or $128 (depending on lab used5 stinging insectsIn-person lab blood draw5 to 7 daysSimply Sensitivity ChecksBest Hair Sample Test$35Over 900 ingested itemsHair samples3 to 5 days
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Allergy blood test.Begin P.Unproven diagnostic tests. Food Allergy Research and Education.Cleveland Clinic.Reasons home allergy tests probably won’t help you.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.All about allergy testing.Karakula-Juchnowicz H, Gałęcka M, Rog J, et al.The food-specific serum IgG reactivity in major depressive disorder patients, irritable bowel syndrome patients and healthy controls.Nutrients. 2018;10(5):548. doi:10.3390/nu10050548van Hage M, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Skevaki C, et al.Performance evaluation of ImmunoCAP® ISAC 112: a multi-site study.Clin Chem Lab Med. 2017;55(4):571-577. doi:10.1515/cclm-2016-0586American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Insect sting allergies.
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. National Library of Medicine.Allergy blood test.Begin P.Unproven diagnostic tests. Food Allergy Research and Education.Cleveland Clinic.Reasons home allergy tests probably won’t help you.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.All about allergy testing.Karakula-Juchnowicz H, Gałęcka M, Rog J, et al.The food-specific serum IgG reactivity in major depressive disorder patients, irritable bowel syndrome patients and healthy controls.Nutrients. 2018;10(5):548. doi:10.3390/nu10050548van Hage M, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Skevaki C, et al.Performance evaluation of ImmunoCAP® ISAC 112: a multi-site study.Clin Chem Lab Med. 2017;55(4):571-577. doi:10.1515/cclm-2016-0586American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Insect sting allergies.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Allergy blood test.Begin P.Unproven diagnostic tests. Food Allergy Research and Education.Cleveland Clinic.Reasons home allergy tests probably won’t help you.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.All about allergy testing.Karakula-Juchnowicz H, Gałęcka M, Rog J, et al.The food-specific serum IgG reactivity in major depressive disorder patients, irritable bowel syndrome patients and healthy controls.Nutrients. 2018;10(5):548. doi:10.3390/nu10050548van Hage M, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Skevaki C, et al.Performance evaluation of ImmunoCAP® ISAC 112: a multi-site study.Clin Chem Lab Med. 2017;55(4):571-577. doi:10.1515/cclm-2016-0586American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Insect sting allergies.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Allergy blood test.
Begin P.Unproven diagnostic tests. Food Allergy Research and Education.
Cleveland Clinic.Reasons home allergy tests probably won’t help you.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.All about allergy testing.
Karakula-Juchnowicz H, Gałęcka M, Rog J, et al.The food-specific serum IgG reactivity in major depressive disorder patients, irritable bowel syndrome patients and healthy controls.Nutrients. 2018;10(5):548. doi:10.3390/nu10050548
van Hage M, Schmid-Grendelmeier P, Skevaki C, et al.Performance evaluation of ImmunoCAP® ISAC 112: a multi-site study.Clin Chem Lab Med. 2017;55(4):571-577. doi:10.1515/cclm-2016-0586
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Insect sting allergies.
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