At-home allergy test kit

Proquest LLC

by Tonya A. Winders,

President and CEO of AANMA

A widely available at-home allergy test for 10 common allergens was recently cleared for over-the-counter use.

Users are given tools to prick their finger to collect a few drops of blood, which they mail in a special vial to the company. Users receive their confidential results in the U.S. mail or by logging on to a secure website a few days after the lab receives the sample.

Allergy Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA) believes it is important for patients to seek advice from their healthcare professional before spending money on an at-home testing kit.

The over-the-counter test, with a suggested retail price of $49.95, may appeal to those who are unemployed and don't have health insurance, says ImmuneTech CEO Lisa Elkins.

For more information, visit www.aanma.org .