Testing
Skin Test
Preparation: Avoid ALL ANTIHISTAMINES (Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl, etc) 48 hours prior to your appointment.
Duration: Approx. 20 minutes
A skin prick test checks for immediate reactions to allergens such as pollen, dust, animal dander, and food. Our medical assistants perform this test using a multi-prick tester. Each prick contains a different allergen so you are tested to multiple allergens at once.
For this test, you will lay down on your stomach. Our medical assistants will then clean off your back. Next, they will slightly press the multi tester against your skin. This will leave behind a droplet of the allergen. It is extremely important for you to lay still in order to avoid allergens mixing and causing an invalid test. After 20 minutes, the allergens are cleaned off and your results are measured.
This test can be preformed on your back or arm depending on how many allergens you are being tested for.
*Accommodations can be made for patients who cannot lay on their stomach*
Intradermal Test
Preparation: Avoid ALL ANTIHISTAMINES (Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl, etc) 48 hours prior to your appointment.
Environmental
Duration: Approx. 20 mins
Similar to skin prick testing, intradermal tests further evaluate what allergens could be causing your symptoms. Your provider may reccommend an intradermal skin test after inital skin prick testing, if necessary.
For this test, a medical assistant will superficially inject your lower arm with a specific allergen. After 20 minutes the results are measured.
Medication
Duration: Approx. 2 hrs
Medication testing is done when a provider suspects a certain drug is causing an allergic reaction. Only certain drugs can be tested.
This test can have up to three steps:
A simple prick. After 20 minutes your results will be measured and provider can determine whether to procceed to step 2.
A medical assistant will superfically inject your lower arm with a diluted version of the drug. After 20 minutes your results will be measured and your provider can determine whether to procceed to the final step.
The final step can only be done with certain drugs. Step 2 is repeated but with no dilution.
Patch Test
Preparation: Avoid steroids 48 hours prior to your appointment unless instructed otherwise.
Duration: 6 days; You will have three visits total.
A patch test is the best way to identify Allergic Contact Dermatitis. In some cases a person may be allergic to chemicals such as nickel, cobalt, fragrances, and many other common chemcials found in household, personal hygiene, and cosmetic products.
To perform this test, multple allergens are applied to the back in the form of patches. You are required to keep the patches on and in tact for 3 days. During the first three days you will have to avoid physical activity and water to keep patches in tact. On the third day you will return the office and the patches will be removed and your first reading will be recorded. On the sixth day you will return to the office for the final reading and at that time your provider will explain your results.