If you live in Vancouver and suspect allergies are behind your stubborn eczema, digestive trouble, or constant congestion, the right allergy test can be life-changing. At Mint Integrative Health we offer evidence-based naturopathic allergy testing and personalized treatment plans—so you can finally feel like yourself again.
Below we answer the most common questions people ask about allergy testing in BC and explain how to book a visit with one of our naturopathic doctors (NDs).
Quick Allergy Testing FAQ
|
Question |
Short Answer |
|
How long does allergy testing take? |
15–30 minutes for a skin prick test, 1–2 days for a blood test (plus lab processing). |
|
Does allergy testing hurt? |
Most people feel only mild, momentary discomfort—comparable to a light scratch or tiny pinprick. |
|
Is allergy testing covered by MSP? |
MSP covers medically necessary hospital or physician-ordered tests. Naturopathic or private testing is generally not covered, but extended benefits often reimburse part of the fee. |
|
Do allergy shots help with eczema? |
For patients whose eczema is triggered by environmental allergens, allergen immunotherapy (“allergy shots”) can reduce flares over time. Your ND can determine whether you’re a candidate. |
Why Consider Allergy Testing?
Unidentified allergies can masquerade as:
- Chronic sinusitis or “perma-cold”
- Unexplained fatigue or brain fog
- Skin issues such as eczema, hives, or acne-like rashes
- IBS-type bloating, gas, or cramps
- Seasonal mood changes or migraines
Getting to the root cause with the right allergy tests saves months or years of guesswork.
Types of Allergy Testing Available
1. Skin Prick Test (Scratch Test)
- What it is: Tiny amounts of common allergens are introduced just under the skin with a sterile lancet.
- Why it’s popular: Fast (results in 15 minutes), low cost, and excellent for inhalant allergies (pollen, dust, pet dander).
- Best for: Hay fever, asthma triggers, some food allergens.
- Price range: $35–$50 for a full panel.
2. Blood Allergy Test (Serum-specific IgE)
- What it is: A simple blood draw analyzed for IgE antibodies to dozens of airborne or food allergens.
- Why choose it: No need to stop antihistamines, safe for severe eczema or itchy skin where skin tests are hard to read.
- Turn-around: 5-7 business days.
- Cost: $200–$400 depending on the number of allergens.
3. Food Sensitivity Testing (IgG Panel)
- While not an “allergy test” in the classic IgE sense, many patients find relief by identifying delayed reactions (bloating, migraines, joint pain).
- At Mint we combine IgG results with an elimination-and-rechallenge protocol for reliable outcomes.
4. Specialized Naturopathic Testing
- Gut permeability panels when histamine intolerance or MCAS is suspected.
- All tests are interpreted by our NDs with an integrative lens—linking lab data to diet, lifestyle, and gut-skin-immune health.
What Happens During Allergy Testing?
Step 1: Review Your Symptoms and History
Your practitioner will ask about your symptoms, when they occur, possible triggers, medications, diet, past reactions, and family history. This helps determine whether testing is likely to be useful.
Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Test
Depending on your situation, this may involve skin prick testing, a blood test for specific IgE antibodies, or referral to an allergist for further assessment.
Step 3: Prepare for Testing
Some medications, including antihistamines, can affect skin-test results. Do not stop prescribed medication without guidance. You will receive instructions if preparation is required.
Step 4: Review the Results in Context
Results are interpreted together with your symptoms and medical history. Your practitioner will explain what the results may mean, what they do not confirm, and whether any follow-up or referral is recommended.
Does Allergy Testing Hurt?
Most clients describe the sensation as a light scratch or tiny mosquito bite. No lingering pain; any redness fades within an hour. Children usually tolerate it well with topical numbing if needed.
Do You Need a Referral for Allergy Testing?
You can book a private naturopathic consultation at Mint Integrative Health without a referral.
During your appointment, your naturopathic doctor can review your symptoms and discuss whether testing is appropriate. In some cases, the best next step may be testing; in others, it may be a referral to an allergist or another healthcare provider.
An allergist referral may be particularly important if you have had:
- Trouble breathing, throat tightness, fainting, or severe swelling after exposure to a food, medication, insect sting, or other trigger
- Suspected anaphylaxis
- Severe or recurrent hives
- Suspected medication allergy
- Asthma symptoms that may be allergy-related
- A suspected food allergy requiring formal diagnosis
Note: MSP does not cover naturopath-ordered labs, but extended health benefits (Manulife, Sun Life, Blue Cross) often reimburse 80-100 % of ND visits and lab fees.
Is Allergy Testing Covered by MSP?
- Yes: Standard skin prick or serum IgE ordered by an MD or allergist for medically justified reasons.
- No: Naturopathic, private, or “screening” panels without physician referral.
- Work-around: Use health spending accounts or extended benefits; we direct-bill most plans.
Do Allergy Shots Help With Eczema?
If your eczema flares in sync with pollen counts or dust mites, allergen immunotherapy (“shots” or sublingual drops) can significantly decrease itching and steroid reliance within 12–18 months.
Some people with eczema also have environmental or food allergies, but allergies are not the cause of every eczema flare.
If your symptoms or history suggest a possible allergic trigger, testing may be considered as part of a broader assessment. If allergy testing or your symptom pattern indicates a need for specialized care, referral to an allergist or dermatologist may be recommended.
When to Choose a Naturopath for Allergy Testing
- You have overlapping gut, skin, and hormonal symptoms and want a root-cause approach.
- You suspect multiple food triggers and need diet coaching beyond a simple allergy skin test.
- You prefer same-week appointments versus specialist waitlists.
- You value personalized nutrition, herbal, and lifestyle plans to complement conventional care.
The most useful allergy assessment starts with understanding your symptoms, not simply ordering a broad panel of tests. Skin testing and specific IgE blood testing can be helpful in the right situation, but results should always be interpreted alongside your medical history.
If you are experiencing possible allergy symptoms and would like to discuss testing options, Mint Integrative offers private naturopathic consultations in Vancouver.
Take the first step: Book your allergy testing visit or call us at 604-251-3456.
Interested in naturopathic support? Learn more about Allergy testing at Environmental and Food allergy Testing
