Allergy Testing in Children: When, Why, and What Parents Should Know
Allergy testing isn’t just for adults. In some situations, children—including infants—may benefit from allergy testing to help identify triggers and guide safer symptom management. Many allergy medications are approved for use starting at six months of age, which makes early identification of allergies especially helpful.
This article is intended for general education and family health awareness. It does not replace medical advice or specialist assessment.
Common Types of Allergy Testing for Children
The choice of test depends on a child’s age, symptoms, and suspected allergens.
Skin Testing
Skin testing is one of the most commonly used allergy tests and can be safely performed on very young children, sometimes even in infancy.
Key points:
-
Small amounts of allergens are introduced to the skin
-
Results are typically available within minutes
-
Highly sensitive for environmental allergies
-
May be less reliable in very young infants due to reduced skin reactivity
Skin testing is usually done under medical supervision to ensure safety and accurate interpretation.
Blood Testing
Blood tests measure allergy-related antibodies in the bloodstream and are useful in specific situations.
Advantages include:
-
No risk of triggering an allergic reaction during testing
-
Allergy medications do not need to be stopped beforehand
-
Useful for infants and children under two years old
-
Helpful for evaluating food allergies
Blood tests are often ordered directly by a doctor, which can simplify the process for families.
Types of Blood Allergy Tests
RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test)
-
An older testing method still used in some settings
-
Measures antibody levels related to allergies
-
Lower sensitivity compared to newer tests
-
Requires careful interpretation, as low antibody levels do not always mean no allergy
ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay)
-
Has largely replaced RAST testing
-
More sensitive and avoids radioactive materials
-
Particularly helpful for identifying food allergies
-
Often more reliable than skin testing for certain allergens
When Should a Child Be Tested?
Children can be tested at any age, including infancy. The key decision is not how young, but why testing is being done and how the results will guide care.
Common Reasons for Allergy Testing in Children
Parents and healthcare providers may consider testing for:
Food Allergies
-
One of the most common reasons for testing in infants and toddlers
-
Blood testing can help identify specific foods and estimate sensitivity levels
Asthma
-
Identifying allergy triggers can help manage asthma symptoms more effectively
Eczema
-
Particularly when eczema is severe or poorly controlled
-
Allergies may contribute to skin flare-ups
Chronic Runny Nose or Sinus Symptoms
-
Ongoing nasal symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from frequent infections
-
Testing can help determine whether allergies are a contributing factor
Alternatives to Testing in Some Cases
If food allergies are suspected and high-risk foods such as nuts or shellfish are not involved, a supervised elimination diet may be suggested. This approach can sometimes provide useful answers without the discomfort or cost of formal testing.
Any elimination diet should be discussed with a healthcare professional to ensure nutritional needs are met.
Supporting Child Health Through Education
Understanding when allergy testing is appropriate helps parents make informed decisions and supports safer care at home, school, and daycare settings—especially for children with asthma, eczema, or food sensitivities.
Educational Note
This article is provided for learning and health awareness purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or manage allergies. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about allergy testing or dietary changes.