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 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.

     

How Is Allergy Testing Done?

  1. Consultation – Your ND reviews your health history, current supplements, and medications.
  2. Choosing the test – Based on your symptoms (e.g., eczema vs. asthma) we’ll recommend a skin prick test, patch testing, or blood test for allergies.
  3. Preparation – You might need to pause antihistamines for 1-2 days (skin tests) or arrive fasting (certain blood panels).
  4. Testing day – Skin tests are performed in-clinic; blood tests are drawn and sent to an accredited lab.
    Results & plan – You’ll receive a clear allergen or sensitivity profile plus a tailored care plan—diet tweaks, gut support, and if needed, referral for allergen immunotherapy.

 

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.

 

How to Get Allergy Testing

  1. Family doctor referral – Covered by MSP, but wait times can be months.
  2. Walk-in allergy testing near me searches – Some pharmacies offer basic blood IgE screens.
  3. Private allergy testing Vancouver – Faster, wider panels, direct booking.
  4. Naturopathic allergy testing at Mint – Holistic intake, same-week appointments, and integrative treatment options.

     

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. 

 

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.

Take the first step: Book your allergy testing visit or call us at 604-251-3456.

BOOK A NATUROPATHIC VISIT