Allergy Testing

Allergies affect millions of people worldwide, causing symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe reactions. Allergy testing identifies the specific substances (allergens) that trigger these reactions, allowing individuals to manage their allergies more effectively.

What are allergies?

Allergies are immune system reactions to substances (called allergens) that the body mistakenly identifies as harmful, even though they might be harmless to most people. When someone with allergies encounters an allergen, their immune system overreacts, producing chemicals like histamines that cause various symptoms.

Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, dust, and mold. The symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild (sneezing, itching, or a runny nose) to severe (swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition).

Allergies can be managed with medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, immunotherapy (allergy shots) to gradually reduce sensitivity to allergens.

What can I expect during allergy testing?

Preparation: You will need to avoid taking antihistamines or other allergy medications for 4 days before the test, as these can interfere with the results.
Procedure:
- The practitioner will clean your skin, typically on your forearm or back.
- Tiny amounts of different allergens are applied to the skin using a tiny prick.
- After a short wait (around 10-15 minutes), the doctor will check for reactions at the test sites. If you’re allergic to a substance, a raised, red, itchy bump (similar to a mosquito bite) will form.
- Based on these results, a small amount of certain allergens are injected under the skin for a more sensitive test, often used if the skin prick is inconclusive. You will need to wait another 10-15 minutes to see if reactions occur.
Time: The test itself takes about 45-60 minutes, and the results are available immediately.
Results: The practitioner will interpret the reactions, and you’ll know which allergens you’re sensitive to right away. Treatment options will then be reviewed including avoidance measures, medications, or allergy shots.

Why should I get allergy testing?

Allergy testing helps identify specific allergens, allowing for tailored treatment plans and better management of symptoms. By knowing what triggers allergies, individuals can avoid exposure and follow strategies to reduce reactions. This also enables healthcare providers to recommend treatments like medications or allergy shots, with the goal of long-term relief and desensitization to allergens.

What allergens do you test for?

We test for all inhalant allergens, which substances in the environment that we breathe in and that can trigger allergic reactions. Our testing panel includes:

Dust Mites
Pet Dander
Tree Pollen
Grass Pollen
Weed Pollen
Mold Spores
Cockroach Particles

*We do not perform testing for foods, insect venom or medications.

What about food allergies?

At our practice, we want to clarify that we do not perform testing for food allergens. Positive IgE blood and skin tests for foods alone do not necessarily indicate a true food allergy. Diagnosis of food allergies is primarily based on a careful correlation between test results and clinical symptoms. If you suspect a food allergy, it’s important to discuss your symptoms with a gastroenterology or allergy and immunology specialist who can guide appropriate evaluation and management.