Allergy Testing

Allergy Testing is very important because it can not only save lives, but it can also inform doctors on what their patients might be allergic to. During the skin prick test, the most common test, the patient’s skin is exposed to suspected allergy-causing substances called allergens then observed for signs of a reaction. Blood tests are used as a substitute for skin tests for those who can’t undergo skin tests.

In adults and teens, the skin prick test is usually performed on the forearm and can test up to 50 different substances at once. For preschoolers, allergy testing can test up to 18 allergens and for babies four to six months old, it can test three to five allergens.

Common Questions

Can children be tested?

Yes, however, the procedure is different from adults. Children and babies are tested on their upper back instead of their forearm. Someone of any age can be tested.

Who typically gets tested?

• Those who have had a reaction to a food or meal and wants to pinpoint the food causing the issue
• Those who have asthma symptoms and wants a test for environmental allergies
• Those who experience difficulties to control nasal-related symptoms
• Those who have recurring sinus infections
• Those who have had a sting from a bee or other venom exposure and suffered a reaction

Who doesn’t qualify for a skin test?

Your doctor may advise you against skin testing if you had a severe allergic reaction, take medications that could interfere with the results, or have certain skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

What other Allergy Testing is there besides skin and blood testing?

There is a total of seven broad categories for Allergy Tests, they are the following:

• Allergy Skin Testing which could be prick skin testing or intradermal skin testing
• Blood Testing
• Spirometry which is lung function tests
• Food Challenge with incremental doses of the potential allergic food
• Drug /Medication Challenge with incremental doses of the potential allergic medicine
• Aspirin Desensitization for patients with underlying chronic respiratory diseases
• Patch testing for patients who develop contact dermatitis

What are the possible side effects of Allergy Testing?

Skin testing is generally well tolerated among patients. The most common reaction is a local itch or swell of the test site which will resolve within a few hours.

What do I need to do before being tested?

• You would need to stop taking your medications such as antihistamine, antidepressants and herbal supplements the week before you test
• Consult with your doctor a week before your Allergy Test if you have further questions about medications
• Before being tested at the office, your doctor will discuss your medical history, allergy symptoms and lifestyle such as living with pets and your work/office space
• It’s also common to have a physical exam of your lungs and sinuses before testing

Will I feel discomfort?

You might, but keep in mind allergy skin tests aren’t painful. The needles used barely penetrate the skin’s surface so any discomfort you experience will be over momentarily.

How long does Allergy Testing take?

A typical test takes about 20 to 40 minutes to complete. Some tests might detect an immediate reaction while others may develop in a couple of minutes to several days.

What are the risks involved?

The most common risks of skin Allergy Testing include the following signs:

• Slightly swollen or red skin
• Itchy bumps or wheals on the skin
• These skin reactions may not be visible until a few hours after the test and remain for a couple of days
• In some rare instances, an immediate allergic reaction could happen but rest assured the doctors and clinicians have the appropriate emergency equipment and medications