How much does an allergy test cost?
How much does an allergy test cost?
$60 – $300 cost for a skin allergy test (without insurance)
$200 – $1,000 cost for a blood allergy test (without insurance)
Average allergy test cost
Allergy testing costs $60 to $300 for a skin test and $200 to $1,000 for a blood test, not including the office visit fee. At-home allergy test kits cost $50 to $300. Allergy test prices are higher when testing for numerous allergens at the same time. Health insurance may help with these costs.
| Testing method | Average total cost (without insurance)* |
|---|---|
| Skin allergy test | $60 – $300 |
| Blood allergy test | $200 – $1,000 |
| At-home allergy test kit | $50 – $300 |
*Office visits not included.
Skin allergy test
A skin allergy test costs $60 to $300, depending on the number of allergens being tested for. The doctor chooses between several testing methods, choosing the one best suited for the suspected allergens and the type of allergic reaction being investigated.
| Testing method | Timeline for results | Test procedure | Tests for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin prick test | 15 – 20 minutes | The doctor applies a small amount of allergen to the skin with a tiny needle that pricks the surface. |
|
| Intradermal test | 20 – 30 minutes | The doctor injects a small amount of allergen into the skin using a thin needle. |
|
| Patch test | 48 hours | The doctor applies small amounts of common allergens to patches and then places them on the patient’s back to test for delayed contact reactions. |
|
Blood allergy test
A blood allergy test costs $200 to $1,000, depending on the number of allergens the doctor tests for. Blood allergy tests measure the presence of specific antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin E (IgE), in the blood. This helps identify allergens that may be causing allergic reactions.
Your doctor may choose blood testing over skin testing if you have certain skin conditions or medication interferences, or to test for a wider range of allergens with a single blood sample. Getting results for a blood allergy test may take several days to a week, and these tests are susceptible to false positives or negatives.
At-home allergy test kit
An at-home allergy test kit costs $50 to $300, depending on the number of allergens the test panel includes. These kits allow you to test for allergies in your home by collecting a sample, often blood or saliva, and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.
However, at-home tests are not as accurate as tests conducted in a controlled clinical environment, with factors like sample collection, handling, and transportation potentially affecting the results. Most health insurance does not cover the cost of at-home testing.
Allergy test prices by type
Allergy testing varies in price depending on the type and number of tests you get. Individual tests for a single allergen cost $15 to $20 per test, but most allergists rely on allergy panels that test for multiple allergens in a category. These panel tests start at around $60 each.
| Testing panel | Average cost (without insurance)* |
Allergies tested |
|---|---|---|
| Food allergy panel | $60 – $400 | Common food allergies |
| Celiac disease antibody panel | $80 – $650 | Gluten allergies |
| Indoor allergen panel | $130 – $430 | Dust mites and mold |
| Outdoor allergen panel | $150 – $250 | Grass, trees, and pollen |
| Nut allergy panel | $100 – $200 | Tree nuts and peanuts |
| Seafood allergy panel | $100 – $135 | Fish and shellfish |
| Inhalant allergen panel | $60 – $270 | Pet dander and other inhalants |
| Comprehensive allergy panel | $260 – $1,000 | Multiple types of allergies |
*Office visits not included.
In addition to the cost of testing, you'll also need to plan for these additional costs to see an allergist and purchase medications to manage your allergies:
Healthcare provider: Depending on your provider, a consultation fee can range from $150 to $300 per visit without insurance.
Allergy treatments: Allergy shots cost $1,000 to $4,000 per year for a long-term series of immunotherapy to reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms.
Emergency treatment: If you have severe allergies, you may need an EpiPen to treat life-threatening anaphylaxis. An EpiPen costs $100 to $500 for generic medication or $650 to $735 for brand-name medication.
Allergy testing cost factors
The cost of allergy testing can vary depending on several factors:
Type of test: Skin allergy tests cost less than blood tests, but blood tests can identify a wider range of allergens with a single blood sample. Advanced tests or tests for specific allergens not commonly included in standard panels may have higher costs.
Number of allergens tested: The more allergens tested, the higher the cost.
Type of allergens: Testing for common allergens like pollen or pet dander may have standard costs, but testing for less common or more specific allergens may incur additional charges.
Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans cover the cost of allergy testing, but the extent of coverage may vary. Check with your insurance provider to understand the coverage details.
Combinations of tests: Healthcare providers may recommend a combination of tests to get a more comprehensive understanding of allergies. This can contribute to higher overall costs.
Office visits: Initial consultations and follow-up visits to discuss results and develop a treatment plan incur additional charges.
Type of healthcare setting: Prices often differ for testing in a hospital compared to a private clinic or specialized allergy center.
Allergy test FAQs
How long does allergy testing take?
The time it takes for allergy testing depends on several factors, including the test type. Skin prick tests provide results within 15 to 20 minutes, while intradermal tests take 20 to 30 minutes and patch tests take 48 hours. Blood tests can take 3 to 7 days to get results.
Where do I get an allergy test?
You can get an allergy test at your primary care doctor's office, an allergist, or through an online allergy testing company. Most primary care doctors perform allergy skin tests, while allergists use a wider range of testing methods including blood tests.
How is allergy testing done?
Allergy testing typically involves either skin tests or blood tests, not necessarily both. Skin tests are faster and cheaper. Blood tests are less common and more costly, and it takes longer to get results, but they can screen for a wide range of allergens with one test.
How do you test for food and gluten allergies?
Some doctors start testing for food and gluten allergies by using an elimination diet. This involves removing suspected trigger foods from your diet for a set period and gradually reintroducing them while monitoring for symptoms. Doctors may do skin or blood tests, genetic testing, or endoscopy and biopsy to look for gluten sensitivity.
How do I prepare for allergy testing?
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for allergy testing, but in general, you should:
Discuss your medications and supplements with your doctor, as even over-the-counter products can interfere with the testing.
Discontinue antihistamine use for several days before testing.
Avoid lotions, soaps, or skin care products on the testing site for several days before testing if you are having a patch test.
Avoid strenuous activity, alcohol, and caffeine, which can affect the accuracy of the tests.
Discussing allergy testing with your doctor
When talking with your doctor, it's important to be well-prepared and communicate your allergy history and concerns. Here are some suggestions to help you prepare:
Bring a list of questions: Be prepared with a list of questions about the different types of tests, their accuracy, and the specific allergens they can identify.
Share symptom details: Provide a list of your allergy symptoms, including their frequency, intensity, and any patterns you’ve observed.
Discuss medical history: Share your medical history, including past allergic reactions, chronic conditions, and medications and supplements you are currently taking.
Ask about testing options: Discuss the available testing options, such as skin tests or blood tests, and understand the suitability of each method based on your individual circumstances.
Clarify insurance coverage: Get details on the costs associated with allergy testing and whether your insurance covers these expenses. Understand any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur and explore possible financial assistance options.
Take notes: During the consultation, write down important information, including the timeline for receiving test results, follow-up appointments required, and any specific instructions to follow before testing.
Questions to ask your allergist
Before your allergist appointment, ask these crucial questions to gain a clearer understanding of allergy testing:
Which type of allergy test is most suitable for my situation?
What allergens will the test cover, and can it include specific triggers I suspect?
How accurate are the test results?
Are there any specific preparations or restrictions for the allergy test?
What are the potential risks or side effects associated with allergy testing?
How long will it take to get the test results?
Can the test identify the severity of my allergic reactions to specific allergens?
Will my insurance cover the costs of allergy testing, and are there any potential out-of-pocket expenses?
Are there alternative testing methods or additional diagnostic approaches if the initial results are inconclusive?
Can you provide information on potential treatment options based on the test results?
What role does allergy testing play in my overall allergy management plan?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.