When Should I Get Allergy Tested?
Consider allergy testing if you frequently experience sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing. Allergy testing can be particularly beneficial if:
- Your symptoms persist despite over-the-counter treatments.
- You have asthma or other respiratory conditions exacerbated by allergies.
What is Allergy Testing?
Allergy testing is utilized to identify specific allergens that trigger allergic reactions. When allergies impact your quality of life, accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are crucial. We utilize skin prick testing and intradermal testing to pinpoint your allergies accurately.
Skin Prick Test
The skin prick test is a primary diagnostic tool for identifying allergens. This test involves pricking the skin with a small amount of the suspected allergen and observing for any reaction, such as redness or swelling, within 15-20 minutes. This method is highly effective and suitable for individuals aged five and older. The allergens tested include 38 environmental allergens from tree pollen, molds, grasses, weeds, dust mites and pet dander.
The severity of reaction is measured based on how your skin reacts to each allergen. For example, if you are allergic to one of the pricks, you might see a slight bump known as a “wheal.” The wheal may also have surrounding redness called a “flare.” By comparing these reactions with saline and histamine reactions, we examine which allergens your body is reacting to and their severity. As a result, we can learn about your allergies and put together plans specific for every individual.
- To begin, the skin is cleaned with alcohol to ensure all foreign substances are removed.
- The skin is then pricked, and a solution with a small amount of the allergen is introduced. Two control pricks for comparison purposes are performed, one containing glycerinated saline and another containing histamine (which should cause a small allergic reaction).
Intradermal Allergy Testing
During a regular skin test, specific allergens may not react on the skin’s surface. Instead, these substances need to be introduced just below the skin’s surface to get a response from the body. During an intradermal skin test, a small needle will inject a trace amount of the specific allergen. It helps identify allergic reactions with greater precision. This test is perfectly safe and is done with close monitoring to ensure safety and maximize comfort.
What Can I Expect at an Allergy Testing Appointment?
You will undergo a comprehensive 1-2 hour evaluation during your visit with our trained allergy clinical team. This includes a detailed discussion of your medical history, family history, lifestyle, and symptoms. This information helps our clinical team understand the factors contribu