Allergy Testing

When do I need allergy testing?

Allergy testing identifies the specific substances (allergens) triggering your symptoms. You may need allergy testing when over-the-counter medications don’t relieve allergy symptoms, such as:

• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Skin rashes
• Sinus pain
• Abdominal pain or diarrhea

You must have allergy testing before getting allergy shots.

What type of allergy testing do I need?

Allergy Asthma & Sinus Center performs three possible types of skin tests:

Skin prick test

Skin prick tests identify most allergens, from pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander to food, insect, and medicine allergies.

During a skin prick test, your provider places marks on your arm to indicate specific areas. Then, they place a drop of a suspected allergen in an area and gently prick the skin under the substance.

They put different allergens in each area, testing the most likely substances responsible for your allergies. You wait in the office for 15 minutes to see if you develop a reaction to any of the substances. If you get a small, itchy bump, you have an allergy to that substance.

Intradermal test

This is similar to a skin prick test, except your provider uses a needle to inject a small amount of allergen under your skin.

What other types of allergy testing might I need?

Your provider may perform a blood test when:

• You have a skin condition that prevents skin testing
• The results of skin testing are negative
• You take medicines that would interfere with test results
• You have poorly controlled asthma
• You may have a severe reaction during skin testing

You may also need pulmonary function testing to diagnose allergic asthma.

To learn if allergy testing can help ease your symptoms, call Allergy Asthma & Sinus Center or book an appointment online today.