was kostet ein allergietest — what does this mean exactly?

The question 'What does an allergy test cost?' cannot be answered with a single number, as costs vary widely by test type, scope, and whether it's paid privately or by insurance. A simple skin prick test for a few allergens in a private practice typically costs €30–80. A comprehensive IgE blood test (e.g., for 20–40 allergens) usually ranges from €50 to €200. For publicly insured patients in Germany, allergy tests are covered only if there is a justified suspicion; the costs are then not directly visible. It's crucial to understand: an allergy test shows sensitization (IgE response), not automatically a clinical allergy. Many people have positive test results without symptoms. Interpretation should always be done by an allergist. Direct-to-consumer DNA tests (e.g., for lactose or gluten sensitivity) are often less reliable and are not recommended by professional societies. The evidence for such genetic tests is weak ('mixed'), whereas classic allergy tests (prick, IgE) have strong evidence when used appropriately. Bottom line: cost is only part of the picture – medical interpretation is key.