Allergy Testing
Environmental Allergies
The most common type of test performed at our clinic is the skin prick test or “scratch” We offer a very thorough and comprehensive panel of different environmental allergens to test that include various trees, grasses, molds, weeds, cat, dog, horse, cockroach, and dust mites. This is a more sensitive test to determine what you are allergic than a blood test. At times we may proceed with an intradermal skin test, which has even higher sensitivity, if we feel the skin prick test gave a false negative result.
Intradermal tests are similar to getting a TB test. A very thin needle is used to inject a small diluted amount of the allergen under the skin which might cause very mild discomfort. The test is very quick and results can be interpreted in only 15 minutes. The environmental skin prick test will aid in the management and/or diagnosis of:
- allergic rhinitis (commonly known as hayfever)
- asthma
- oral allergy syndrome
- urticaria (hives)
- atopic dermatitis
- chronic sinusitis
- anaphylaxis
- angioedema
- chronic cough
Food Allergies
We offer a very thorough and comprehensive panel of different food allergens to test whether you are allergic to various fruits, nuts, meats, shellfish, fish and grains. A food skin prick test will aid in the management and/or diagnosis of:
- food allergies
- oral allergy syndrome
- eosinophilic esophagitis
- urticaria
- gluten sensitivity/celiac disease
- anaphylaxis
- angioedema
Venom Allergies
We offer a panel to test for allergies to the venom of different insects such as white-faced hornets, yellow hornets, yellow jackets, wasps and honey bees. The venom allergen prick test will aid in the management and/or diagnosis of:
- urticaria (hives)
- venom allergies
- anaphylaxis
Drug Allergies
Based on your past history of reactions to medication, we can offer a skin prick test and possibly an intradermal skin test to determine if you have an allergy to a certain type of medication. If the skin test produces a false-negative then we will proceed with the intradermal skin test. A drug skin prick test will aid in the management and/or diagnosis of:
- urticaria (hives)
- anaphylaxis
- drug allergies
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the skin prick test hurt?
No, if anything it might cause slight discomfort. There are no needles involved. One may feel some itchiness, however, a steroid cream is applied and/or an antihistamine tablet is given to ease the itching.
How long does it take?
After application of the skin prick test, it only takes 15 minutes to obtain the results. The allergist will personally interpret the skin test and then initiate management of your allergies.
Is it safe?
Yes, the skin prick test will be conducted under the supervision of the physician and trained medical professionals. Only a small amount of the allergen will be placed on your skin and the likelihood of a systemic reaction is extremely low.
How do I prepare for a skin test?
Provide the allergist the list of the current medications you are taking. We ask that you stay off of antihistamines for 5 days for the skin test to work. Some examples include but are not limited to: oral tablets (e.g. Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra, Hydroxyzine, Doxepin), cold medication (e.g. Nyquil, Vick’s cold and flu), nasal sprays (e.g. Dymista, Patanase) and eye drops (e.g Patanol, Alaway).
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