If you suspect that you have a food allergy, then the best thing you can do for yourself is to get tested. There are two main types of tests for food allergies. One food allergy test involves pricking the skin, and the other type involves bloodwork, but both tests are ways to measure a protein in your body called IgE that is tied to many types of allergic reactions to food. Here we’re going to show you what you need to know about these two types of food allergy tests.

The least expensive option between the two types of tests is a skin prick test. What this involves is the doctor placing a drop of the tested food on your back, leg or forearm. Then a small probe will prick your skin in the area covered by the drop. After you sit there for 10 to 15 minutes, a small bump will come up at the site of the prick if you are allergic to that particular food. These tests aren’t usually painful and don’t usually cause you to bleed. However, the results are quick and easy.

The second option is a blood test that has to be sent away to a lab. Blood tests are best for people who have skin irritation problems that might make it difficult to interpret the results of a skin prick test. While it takes longer to get back the results of a blood test, the results are generally just as conclusive with a skin prick test, and that’s why a skin prick test is often preferred.