ALLERGY SKIN TESTING & TREATMENT

Allergy skin testing is performed to evaluate many allergic conditions including: allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, food allergy, stinging insect allergy, some drug allergies, and some allergic skin disorders. In order to identify what inhaled allergens or food substances you are allergic to, we generally perform a prick skin test. This involves introducing a very small amount of the substance just below the surface skin using a sterile testing device. We use a multi-headed device which allows us to test many different substances at once. A positive test will result in an itchy “welt” about the size of a mosquito bite. The pain associated with this type of testing is minimal (often rated 1-2 on a scale of 1 to 10). The testing procedure takes 20-30 minutes. Thus, allergy skin testing allows us to obtain rapid results and to direct a treatment plan at the time of your visit. 

Allergy testing can be done by a blood test as well. There are certain circumstances where we may choose to perform blood testing instead of typical allergy skin testing. Blood testing is generally more expensive, requires venipuncture (needle stick into a vein) and the testing results are not available for a week after a blood sample is obtained.

ALLERGY SKIN TESTING & TREATMENT

Allergy skin testing is performed to evaluate many allergic conditions including: allergic rhinitis (hay fever), asthma, food allergy, stinging insect allergy, some drug allergies, and some allergic skin disorders. In order to identify what inhaled allergens or food substances you are allergic to, we generally perform a prick skin test. This involves introducing a very small amount of the substance just below the surface skin using a sterile testing device. We use a multi-headed device which allows us to test many different substances at once. A positive test will result in an itchy “welt” about the size of a mosquito bite. The pain associated with this type of testing is minimal (often rated 1-2 on a scale of 1 to 10). The testing procedure takes 20-30 minutes. Thus, allergy skin testing allows us to obtain rapid results and to direct a treatment plan at the time of your visit.

Allergy testing can be done by a blood test as well. There are certain circumstances where we may choose to perform blood testing instead of typical allergy skin testing. Blood testing is generally more expensive, requires venipuncture (needle stick into a vein) and the testing results are not available for a week after a blood sample is obtained.

PATCH TESTING

Patch testing is performed for evaluation of allergic skin disorders known as allergic contact dermatitis. An example of this is poison ivy allergy, or nickel allergy. This test involves applying the test substance to the back with hypoallergenic tape and leaving it in place for 48 hours. After the test patch is removed from the back, you will need to return in another 24 to 48 hours to read the test site. A positive reaction results in a localized rash at the test site. There may be minimal discomfort with this type of reaction. A positive test allows us to advise you on what substance(s) to avoid what you are allergic to. You can read more about patch testing HERE.

LUNG FUNCTION TESTING & ASTHMA MANAGEMENT

We often perform lung function testing using a device known as a spirometer. This test involves blowing into a machine as hard and as fast as you can in order to measure your lung capacity. This test is routinely done to diagnose and monitor treatment for asthma and other lung disorders. Our spirometer links into our electronic medical record to allow us to digitally track your lung function and plot trends. This is a simple and painless test that only takes a few minutes.

LUNG FUNCTION TESTING & ASTHMA MANAGEMENT

We often perform lung function testing using a device known as a spirometer. This test involves blowing into a machine as hard and as fast as you can in order to measure your lung capacity. This test is routinely done to diagnose and monitor treatment for asthma and other lung disorders. Our spirometer links into our electronic medical record to allow us to digitally track your lung function and plot trends. This is a simple and painless test that only takes a few minutes.