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The Best Allergy Tests

Where Can You Get the Best Allergy Tests?

The local forecast said that pollen is high, and maybe you've caught yourself running to the medicine cabinet for antihistamines lately, or you had an out-of-the-blue itchy throat the last time you ate a favorite food. Naturally, you're thinking "I bet it's an allergy!” Did you know that around 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies each year?

This includes seasonal allergies, food allergies, and allergic asthma. Allergy tests are the essential tools that can help you identify specific allergens causing your reactions. When you undergo allergy testing, common things tested for include pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, various foods (like nuts, dairy, shellfish, and wheat), insect stings, and medications.

Tuesday, October 15th

2024 Allergy Test Reviews

Ulta Lab Tests Review Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award 5 Star Rating

Ulta Lab Tests

5 Star Rating Top Consumer Reviews Best-In-Class Blue Ribbon Award

Ulta Lab Tests is our #1 pick for allergy testing because they offer nearly 400 different tests without needing a doctor's referral. You can easily order online, visit a Quest lab location or other partner lab for sample collection, and get results within 1-3 business days. Ulta Lab Tests is significantly cheaper than many providers, with savings of up to 80%, and often offers additional discounts. The site is user-friendly, allowing you to choose your tests and where to have samples drawn, even at home if needed. With an "A+" rating from the BBB and thousands of 5-star reviews, Ulta Lab Tests is a trusted, affordable, and convenient choice for managing your allergy testing.

Walk In Lab Review 4.5 Star Rating

Walk In Lab

4.5 Star Rating

Walk-In Lab is our second-place winner for allergy testing because they make managing healthcare costs easy while helping you stay healthy. Founded in 2009, they offer over 250 allergy tests, mostly with blood samples drawn at Labcorp or Quest, with clear information on costs and sample collection. Their price-matching policy ensures you get the lowest price, and you can pay with HSA/FSA. Results are reviewed by physicians, and you'll be notified if anything is critical. With an "A+" rating from the BBB and thousands of positive reviews, Walk-In Lab is a trusted choice for allergy tests, earning them an excellent rating.

HealthLabs Review 4.5 Star Rating

HealthLabs

4.5 Star Rating

HealthLabs has been offering affordable allergy testing online since 2015, making it a good choice if you don't have insurance or want to order tests on your own. You can easily find nearby labs through Quest or Labcorp, and there's a single standard price for tests, no matter which lab you use. With a 110% price match guarantee and helpful customer support, you can get your questions answered before or after your test. Most results come within three days, and you can even consult with a physician if needed. HealthLabs has a strong reputation, making it a great choice for a wide range of allergy testing needs.

Personalabs Review 4 Star Rating

Personalabs

4 Star Rating

Personalabs, established in 2006, offers allergy testing that lets you gain insights into potential allergens without visiting a doctor. With over 50 allergy-related tests, your samples are collected at Labcorp or Quest Diagnostics, with results typically available within 24-48 hours. Once they're in, you can have a telehealth consultation to discuss your results. Personalabs often provides tests at lower prices than going directly to the labs and frequently offers seasonal promotions. Despite some minor customer service issues, Personalabs has an "A+” rating from the BBB and a solid reputation, making it a cost-effective and convenient option for allergy testing.

4U Health Review 3.5 Star Rating

4U Health

3.5 Star Rating

If you're looking for a new and convenient option for allergy testing, 4U Health is worth trying. This company aims to let you "check your health on your own terms" with hospital-grade at-home tests, so you never need to visit a lab. They offer eight different tests for food allergies and sensitivities, all done at home with a blood sample. Their CLIA-certified labs ensure accuracy, and you'll get your results in just 2-5 days. Plus, your test results come with a free telehealth explanation. The tests range from a $199 Essential Food Sensitivity Test to a $389 Complete Food & Respiratory Allergy Test, covering a wide range of allergens. With frequent promotions, a $25 discount on your first order over $150, and Afterpay options, 4U Health makes allergy testing accessible and reliable. Their few-but-positive reviews suggest that even though they're new, they're off to a great start.

Test My Allergy Review 3.5 Star Rating

Test My Allergy

3.5 Star Rating

If you're looking for a reliable option for allergy testing, Test My Allergy is worth considering. This service, offered by Global Science Technology LTD since 2016, provides sensitivity and allergy/intolerance tests for clients in the US, Australia, and the UK. You can choose between hair and blood sample tests, with their lab boasting ISO 9001 certification. While shipping costs and potential delays are downsides, many customers appreciate the insights gained once results are received. Despite some waiting time, Test My Allergy offers a solid solution for identifying what might be causing your health issues.

Everlywell Review 3 Star Rating

Everlywell

3 Star Rating

Everlywell offers 5 different allergy test panels, some of which have earned thousands of 5-star reviews. You might find the tests helpful and like that you don't need to visit a doctor: everything is done with a finger prick blood sample done at home. Everlywell has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau, but customer reviews on other sites are mixed, with many people unhappy about membership issues and problems with their orders. So, while Everlywell has potential, there's room for improvement in customer satisfaction and accuracy. We give Everlywell a middle-of-the-road rating. While their allergy tests are easy to use and often get good reviews, there are still a few concerns to address.

Quest Review 2.5 Star Rating

Quest

2.5 Star Rating

Quest is one of the most well-known labs in America, with over 6,000 locations nationwide. You have around 15 options for allergy tests, most of which cover a variety of potential allergens. Your test will require a blood sample, which you can have drawn at a lab or at home by a Quest mobile phlebotomist (for an extra fee, if this service is available in your area). Quest often offers discounts that can make your allergy testing cheaper. Unfortunately, Quest has a bad reputation, including a failing grade from the BBB and many 1-star ratings from unhappy patients. You should check out other options before deciding to use Quest's allergy tests.

myLab Box Review 2 Star Rating

myLab Box

2 Star Rating

myLAB Box ranks as one of our lowest options for allergy testing due to several significant issues. Despite offering the convenience of two at-home allergy/sensitivity tests and the ability to use HSA/FSA funds, the company is plagued by a lack of transparency about their testing labs, questionable customer service, and a poor reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Many customers have reported problems such as missing results, delayed deliveries, and difficulty in reaching support. Additionally, myLAB Box does not provide physician consultations for interpreting test results, requiring you to seek your own medical advice. These factors collectively contribute to its below-average rating among providers of allergy tests.

Labcorp on Demand Review 1.5 Star Rating

Labcorp on Demand

1.5 Star Rating

Although it's one of the biggest names in lab testing, Labcorp on Demand is surprisingly limited in the allergy tests it offers. You'll only have four options to choose from, and what those tests screen for isn't very robust. Your results may take a long time to come in, and there's no physician consultation included with the (high) price of your allergy test. Labcorp also doesn't have the best reputation, with lots of complaints from patients. We'd encourage you to look at a higher-ranked provider of allergy tests, and skip Labcorp.

Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

There are different methods for testing, which can include skin prick tests that introduce small amounts of allergens into your skin to observe for reactions, blood tests that measure the presence of specific antibodies to allergens, and patch tests that apply allergens to your skin to check for delayed reactions.

If you're considering on-demand allergy testing, online providers offer a convenient option. These range from comprehensive tests that cover dozens of potential allergens to more specific tests focusing on particular types like food or environmental triggers. This option is perfect if you value privacy, convenience, and the ability to manage your health from home. You can order a test kit online, collect a sample at home (usually a blood sample or hair) or visit a partner lab near you, and then it's sent to the lab for analysis. Results are then provided online, often with options for follow-up consultations.

When you're deciding where to buy allergy tests, keep these criteria in mind:

  • Comprehensiveness of the panels. Look at how many and which types of allergens are included in the test. A comprehensive panel can give you a wider range of information, helping you pinpoint exactly what's causing your reactions.
  • Cost. Compare the prices of different tests, including any hidden fees for shipping, sample processing, and follow-up consultations. Finding an affordable option can make it easier for you to access the testing you need without breaking the bank.
  • Speed of getting results. Look into the expected turnaround time from when the sample is sent back to when results are received. Quicker results mean you can start managing your allergies sooner.
  • Customer feedback. Research reviews and testimonials from other users to gauge the reliability and accuracy of the testing service. Positive feedback can indicate a trustworthy provider with a good track record. Also see if the company has a profile with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Support and consultation. See if the provider offers additional support, like access to healthcare professionals for interpreting your results or helping you create an action plan. This can be crucial for understanding your results and figuring out the best steps to manage your allergies.

To help you determine what's got you sneezing and scratching, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have taken a close look at some of the most popular options for allergy tests on the market today. Use our research to choose the best testing service for your needs, so that you can get useful insights into your health and manage your suspected allergies most effectively. Gesundheit!

The Best Allergy Tests Compare Allergy Tests Compare Allergy Test Reviews What are the best Allergy Tests Best Allergy Test Reviews

Allergy Test FAQ

Yes, allergy testing is designed to pinpoint specific allergens that trigger allergic reactions in individuals. Whether it's pollen, pet dander, foods, or other substances, allergy tests can identify what you're allergic to. This information is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan, such as avoidance strategies or allergen immunotherapy.
During allergy testing at a lab, a blood sample or skin prick test is typically performed. For blood tests, a small sample is drawn and analyzed for antibodies specific to allergens. Typically conducted at a doctor's office, skin prick tests involve placing small amounts of allergens on the skin and then pricking the skin to see if a reaction occurs. These tests are safe and relatively quick, providing valuable information for diagnosis.
At-home allergy tests can provide convenient preliminary results, but they are generally less accurate than lab-based tests performed by trained professionals. Lab tests are more comprehensive and involve larger panels of allergens, ensuring more reliable results. If you get a positive result from an at-home test, it's often recommended to confirm it with a lab-based test for accuracy.
The costs of allergy testing can vary widely depending on the type of test and where it's conducted. Most panel tests (that analyze a range of allergens) cost somewhere between $150 to $400.
Typically, allergy test results from a lab-based test are available within 5 to 7 business days after the sample is received. This timeline allows for accurate analysis and interpretation of the test results by medical professionals. At-home tests may take a little longer, factoring in the time it takes to send in your hair or blood sample.
Allergy testing, whether through blood tests or skin pricks, is generally safe. The risks are minimal and include mild discomfort from skin pricks or slight bruising at the blood draw site.
It usually depends on how the sample is collected. At-home allergy test kits are available that allow you to collect a sample at home (usually blood, hair, or saliva) and send it to a lab for analysis. While convenient, the reliability of these tests can vary. They may not cover as many allergens as lab-based tests and can sometimes produce false positives or negatives. It's often recommended to follow up with a healthcare provider for confirmation if you get a positive result.
The main difference between an allergy and a sensitivity lies in the immune system's response and the severity of symptoms. When someone with an allergy encounters the allergen, their immune system overreacts, producing antibodies (IgE) that trigger symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis. Allergic reactions can be immediate and severe. Sensitivity refers to a less severe reaction to a substance that does not involve the immune system. Unlike allergies, sensitivities do not typically cause anaphylaxis or involve IgE antibodies. Instead, sensitivities may cause digestive issues, headaches, skin problems, or other symptoms that vary in intensity and onset time.
The Best Reviews of Allergy Tests