How to Choose from the 5 Best At-Home Allergy Tests

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At-home allergy tests claim to be convenient ways to check for allergies and intolerances. These tests are available online and in many drugstores and pharmacies.
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At-home allergy tests are not always reliable, however. People should interpret their results with caution and contact a primary care doctor or allergist/immunologist for further evaluation.
This article discusses the uses and reliability of at-home allergy tests, some products available to buy online, and when to contact a doctor.
Best for a U.K. laboratory: Test My Allergy Combined Allergy & Intolerance test
Test My Allergy Combined Allergy & Intolerance test
Best for a wide range of allergies: Prime 110 Allergy & Intolerance Test
Prime 110 Allergy & Intolerance Test
Best for a variety of tests: Lifelab Testing
Lifelab Testing
Best for a hair sample test: Simply Health Checks
Simply Health Checks
Best for potential gluten allergies: LetsGetChecked Celiac Test
LetsGetChecked Celiac Test
How we choose the best at home allergy tests
Medical News Today does not rank products in any order or recommend one over another. A person should opt for the product that best fits their needs.
MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
Lab certification: When possible, we select companies that process test samples in labs with certification from the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). This indicates that they follow state and federal regulations.
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)
Budget: We choose at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
Privacy: We include companies that offer robust, transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
Test result speed:We select companies that inform customers when their results will arrive and whether this will be by email, app, or phone.
Further support: We indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
Best at-home allergy tests
Below is a list of at-home allergy tests that people can buy online.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here.
Test My Allergy Combined Allergy & Intolerance test
Sample method: This product requires a finger prick blood sample.
Pro: The company uses an ISO-9001 certified lab.
Con: There is no scientific evidence that immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) levels indicate intolerances or allergies.
Price: This test costs $239.
This product by Test My Allergy requires a blood sample that people can take with a finger prick. The kit provides everything a person needs to take this sample at home.
Individuals need to send their samples to the company’s testing laboratory in the United Kingdom. The pack includes a return envelope. The company then sends the test results back via email.
The company sends all tests to an ISO-9001 certified laboratory for analysis. This means it must adhere to specific quality standards.
This particular test analyzes the presence of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG4 against 70 of the most common allergy and purported intolerance items.
However, there is no medical or scientific data to suggest that IgG4 levels correlate with true intolerances or sensitivities. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) and other allergy societies worldwide warn against this type of testing, as it has never been scientifically validated.
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI)
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Prime 110 Allergy & Intolerance Test
Sample method: This test requires a finger prick blood sample.
Pro: It says it looks for 75 food intolerances and 35 common allergies.
Con: This test is not available for people in New York or New Jersey.
Price: This test costs $279.
The Prime 110 test also requires a finger prick to obtain a small blood sample. The kit provides all necessary equipment and instructions.
The company also includes a return envelope wherein a person can enclose their sample and send it back to the laboratory at no additional cost.
Prime 110 sends the results and a thorough report by email. Individuals can purchase a fast-track test and receive their results within 48 hours of the laboratory receiving the blood sample.
The company uses an ISO-9001 certified facility for testing. The laboratory analyzes the blood sample for IgE and IgG4.
The Prime 110 Allergy & Intolerance Test says it looks for 75 purported food intolerances and 35 common allergies. However, no evidence suggests that IgG4 levels correlate with food intolerances.
The company is currently unable to process results from people in the states of New York and New Jersey.
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LifeLab Testing
Sample method: These tests require finger prick blood samples.
Pro: LifeLab Testing sells four tests, with varying prices, that check for up to 40 allergies and 80 intolerances.
Con: There is no scientific evidence that IgG4 levels indicate intolerances or allergies.
Price: The price starts at $135.
LifeLab Testing offers four tests that screen for IgG4 and IgE. All require finger prick blood samples.
The company checks the blood sample for up to 40 allergies and 80 intolerances, depending on the specific test.
Once a person sends off their sample, they will receive their results within 3–5 working days. The company offers a follow-up with a nutritionist to anyone who purchases one of the more comprehensive tests.
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Simply Health Checks Ultimate Health
Sample method: This test requires a hair sample.
Pro: It may be more suitable for people who prefer not to take blood samples.
Con: There is currently no scientific evidence that hair samples can indicate food allergies or intolerances.
Price: This test costs $140.
Simply Health Check states that its Ultimate Health test checks for more than 900 allergies or intolerances, including those to dairy and gluten.
The company says it uses bioresonance technology to check a small hair sample.
However, there is currently no scientific evidence that hair samples can indicate food allergies or intolerances.
no scientific evidence
A person receives their results via email within 3–5 days after the company receives the sample.
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LetsGetChecked Celiac Test
Sample method: This test requires a finger prick blood sample.
Pro: LetsGetChecked offers follow-ups with healthcare professionals when results are positive.
Con: People need to consume gluten for over a month before taking the test.
Price: This test costs $119.
The LetsGetChecked Celiac Test checks a blood sample for tissue transglutaminase and endomysial antibodies. Their presence may indicate celiac disease.
The company states that people need to have a diet that contains gluten for 6 weeks before taking the test, to ensure accurate results.
Once a person collects their blood sample, they send it to the laboratory in a prepaid envelope. The company says that it processes these samples in the same labs used by hospitals and government programs.
A person can view their results through an online portal within 2–5 days. If a result is positive, the company offers a follow-up with a member of the medical team.
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Comparison
The table below compares the products listed in the section above.
Test My Allergy
Prime 110
Lifelab Testing
Simply Health Checks
Let’s Get Checked Celiac Test
How to choose an at-home allergy test
When selecting at-home allergy test, a person might consider:
Sample method: Most allergy tests require a blood sample. Anyone uncomfortable taking their own sample might ask a friend or family member for help.
Allergies and intolerances: Anyone who thinks that they might have a specific allergy or intolerance should check that the test looks for this.
Results time: Consider the time it will take for the company to return results. Some companies offer a quicker turnaround time than others.
Budget: Generally, a test that screens for more allergies and intolerances costs more than a test that screens for fewer.
Currently, there is little evidence that at-home tests can accurately identify allergies or intolerances. Be sure to follow up any results with a healthcare professional.
What are at-home allergy tests used for?
The AAAAI states that allergies happen when a person’s immune system mistakenly believes that a substance is harmful.
AAAAI
allergies
When the body comes into contact with this substance, it produces antibodies, such as IgE, to protect itself. These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, including histamine, that when triggered cause an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction commonly causes inflammation and irritation. In severe cases, exposure to an allergen can cause anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening.
Some common allergens include:
pollen
dust mites
food
insect stings
animal dander
mold
medications or drugs
latex
Who should take an at-home allergy test?
A person experiencing symptoms of a nonfood (environmental) allergy may benefit from taking an at-home allergy test. Common symptoms of nonfood allergies include:
itching, hives, or rash
itching
hives
rash
itchy or sore throat after exposure to allergen
itchy
sneezing or coughing
coughing
itchy, watery, or red eyes
itchy
watery
red eyes
congestion
wheezing or shortness of breath
It is important to note that the result of an at-home allergy test is not a diagnosis. After completing an at-home allergy test, a person should contact a doctor who can provide a diagnosis if necessary.
Health authorities, such as the AAAAI, do not recommend at-home tests. Anyone who may have an allergy or intolerance should speak with a doctor.
AAAAI
Food intolerances can cause symptoms such as gas, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Common food intolerances include dairy and alcohol. Food allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms, including:
gas
abdominal pain
diarrhea
hives
itchy skin
swelling
vomiting
vomiting
diarrhea
anaphylaxis
anaphylaxis
How reliable are at-home allergy tests?
A doctor may diagnose an allergy after conducting a skin test. This often involves pricking the skin with a needle or plastic prong that has a common allergen on it.
Many at-home allergy tests work by obtaining a blood sample using a finger prick. However, this method may not be a reliable way to determine whether or not a person has allergies.
At-home tests that look for IgG4 in the blood are unlikely to provide accurate results, as this antibody is present in people who do and do not have allergies to substances. IgG4 tests are commonly used for at-home food allergy and intolerance tests.
IgG4
Scientists do not recommend IgG4 testing. There is currently no evidence to suggest that the presence of IgG4 in the blood is due to an allergy or sensitivity. Therefore, a person may wish to consult their doctor about any potential allergies instead.
do not recommend
An individual who does decide to use an at-home allergy test will likely find it beneficial to follow up on their test results with a doctor.
Some allergy tests may return a false-positive or false-negative result. It is important to see a healthcare professional for additional explanation and testing, especially if an individual is testing for food allergies.
When to contact a doctor
An at-home allergy test should not replace a visit to a primary care doctor or an allergist or immunologist.
These tests may not always be accurate, so a person should interpret their results with caution and seek follow-up tests with a healthcare professional. Alternatively, people may speak to their doctor instead of using an at-home allergy test.
The American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology recommends seeing a healthcare professional if:
American College of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology
A person’s allergies cause chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion, or breathing difficulties.
A person has true IgE-mediated food allergy symptoms, such as hives, swelling, vomiting, wheezing, or anaphylaxis
A person experiences hay fever or other allergy symptoms for several months per year.
Over-the-counter medications do not help or cause unpleasant side effects.
Allergies interfere with a person’s day-to-day activities or decrease their quality of life.
A person experiences warning signs of severe asthma, such as struggling to catch a breath, wheezing and coughing, frequent shortness of breath or chest tightness, or frequent asthma attacks.
severe asthma
A person must seek immediate medical advice if they are experiencing anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include hives, facial and tongue swelling, difficulty breathing, cramps, and vomiting.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to common questions about at-home allergy tests.
Several companies sell at-home allergy tests.
The packaging includes instructions about how to take a sample, usually a blood sample, and send it to the lab that the company uses. Within days, a person receives their test result.
However, it is important to note that health authorities such as the AAAI do not recommend at-home testing. A person should always follow up on their results with a healthcare professional.
Most at-home allergy tests screen for the presence of IgG4. However, no research suggests that this is an accurate way of testing for allergies — IgG4 is present in people without allergies and intolerances.
Anyone who opts to take an at-home allergy test should follow up with a healthcare professional, who will perform further tests. They may then diagnose any issue and suggest an approach to treatment.
Summary
There are various at-home allergy tests that a person can purchase. These tend to test for various allergens, but some combine allergy tests with purported intolerance testing.
Many at-home allergy tests require a blood sample. Some products include equipment and instructions that allow the person to obtain the blood using a small finger prick. Some products, however, require a healthcare professional to take a person’s blood in a laboratory.
At-home allergy tests are not always reliable. People should not use these tests as an alternative to contacting a healthcare professional.