Steps
Allergy Skin Prick Testing (SPT) is the test of choice by most Allergists because is has a high rate of reliability, minimal discomfort and is easy to use. This kind of testing is offered to children who are five years or older.
SPT testing involves gently pressing a small plastic dipped into different allergens onto the skin of your inner arms or back. These allergens remain on the skin for at least 20 minutes, then the results are read.
Few patients have found this test uncomfortable. If you or your child prefer, we can apply numbing cream on your forearms one hour before the test.
A positive result, or wheal, looks swollen like a mosquito bite. The swelling tells the allergist which allergens you are allergic to. The SPT takes about 45 minutes.
Positive reactions usually disappear on their own within a couple of hours. Anti-itch cream can be applied afterwards as well.
Intradermal
Intradermal
Intradermal Testing
Intradermal Testing is performed on the upper arms by placing small amounts of 20 allergens in two different strengths just under the skin with a small needle. These results are read after 20 minutes. This test takes about 90 minutes.
Patch Testing
Patch Testing involves placing three tape like panels of twenty nine substances on your upper back. Among these substances are: nickel, rubber, fragrance, preservatives, and wool. The patches remain on your back for 48 to 72 hours. The patches are not allowed to get wet during this time.
When the patches are removed the results are read by the staff and again in another 48 hours to see any delayed reactions.
Individual tests can also be applied via the patch at the same time as the panels.
Tips and Tactics
Risks of Allergy Testing
The most serious reaction that can occur with skin testing is anaphylaxis. This is a major allergic reaction than can include hives, chest tightness, wheezing, lip or throat swelling, or a more extreme reaction. Adverse reactions are extremely rare.
Reasons
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Reasons to Not Have Allergy Testing
If you are taking an antihistamine, beta-blocker, tri-cyclic antidepressant, natural medicie or other medications that can affect test results.
You have chest pain, unstable angina, or have had a recent heart attack.
You are pregnant or breast feeding.
You have a cold or upper respitory infection and or a temperature over 99.6 degrees F.
You are wheezing, short of breath, your asthma has been worse recently.
Your airflow screening test, Peak Flow, is low.
B lood Testing aka RAST or Immuno-cap Testing
