Allergies are diagnosed with skin tests and blood tests.

Skin testing is considered the most accurate, but both skin and blood testing can detect a person's sensitivity to common allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, medicines, foods, latex, or other substances. Skin testing is usually preferred, but allergy blood tests may be performed if a patient has severe skin rashes, or if a person is taking a medication that cannot be stopped that would interfere with the results of a skin allergy test.