What Allergy Test Is Best? Here’s How to Choose the Right One for You
Order your lab requisition online — then bring it to a local lab to test for allergies.
Are you feeling bloated, foggy, itchy, or just off—and wondering if allergies might be to blame? You’re not alone. Whether it’s food, pollen, or pet dander, allergic reactions can creep in at any age and impact everything from digestion to energy levels.
As an acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner with over a decade of clinical experience, I’ve helped countless clients connect the dots between mysterious symptoms and underlying immune imbalances. Proper testing can be the turning point—especially when inflammation, fatigue, or skin issues seem to come out of nowhere.
But with so many options available, what allergy test is best for uncovering your triggers?
In this guide, we’ll break down the most popular and effective allergy test panels—so you can make an informed choice and finally get some answers.
Why Test for Allergies?
Your immune system is designed to protect you—but sometimes, it overreacts to substances that are harmless for most people. These reactions—known as allergies—can cause a wide range of symptoms:
- Sneezing, coughing, or congestion
- Brain fog or fatigue
- Skin rashes, itching, or hives
- Bloating, nausea, or stomach pain
Getting tested can help you pinpoint the source, avoid triggers, and create a treatment plan. According to a 2019 review in Clinics in Laboratory Medicine, IgE testing, which looks for allergen-specific antibodies in your blood, is a clinically valuable way to assess food and environmental allergies.
While the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies is still the oral food challenge, research confirms that serum-specific IgE testing—like the panels featured here—is a valuable tool for identifying potential allergic triggers and guiding next steps.
What Allergy Test Is Best for You?
The best test depends on your symptoms and suspected triggers. Below are some of the top options available—all of which are easy, blood-based tests you can take without a skin prick.
Basic Food Allergy Panel
Tests for 15 of the most common food allergens, including cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, shellfish, wheat, and more. A great starting point for digestive or skin-related symptoms.
Comprehensive Food Allergy Panel
Covers 20+ food allergens for a broader look at what might be triggering your body’s immune response.
Gluten Allergy Test
A quick and affordable test if you suspect gluten is the issue. Ideal for those with brain fog, skin irritation, or bloating.
Shellfish Allergy Panel
Pinpoint reactions to crab, shrimp, lobster, and other shellfish.
Cat & Dog Dander Test
Essential for anyone who loves their pets but struggles with sneezing or congestion at home.
Specialty Panels to Consider
Looking for more targeted insights? These panels are ideal if you’ve noticed issues with certain food groups:
- Berry Fruit Panel – includes avocado
- Citrus Fruit Panel – tests lemon, lime, orange, and more
- Vegetable Panels I & II – common veggies used in salads and cooking
- Meat or Fish Panels – identify sensitivities to beef, chicken, cod, salmon, etc.
- Nut & Seed Panel – a must if you suspect tree nut or peanut allergies
Pair with a Wellness Panel
If you’re investing in allergy testing, it’s smart to get a full-body health check at the same time:
- Comprehensive Health Panel: CBC, CMP, TSH, Lipids, Iron, Urinalysis
- Standard Panel : thyroid + general health snapshot
- Basic Health Panel: a simple and affordable overall screen
What Allergy Test Is Best?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—but the best allergy test for you is the one that matches your symptoms and health history. Blood-based IgE panels are fast, safe, and accurate tools to uncover what’s really going on with your body.
Ready to get answers?
Click here to view all allergy test panels and find the best one for you
Disclaimer: Allergy tests are intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare provider to interpret your results and develop a treatment plan.
