Allergy Diagnosis

The gold standard and most reliable form of diagnosing allergies is through skin testing. Our board-certified allergists use a patient’s skin test results and medical history to determine what allergens are causing their symptoms.

Allergy Skin Testing

Skin testing is a simple series of tiny scratches made on your back. The scratches are conducted with a small instrument similar to a plastic toothpick, which contains trace amounts of a single allergen, such as mold, pollen, dust mite, and/or animal dander. When the results are positive, a small reaction on the skin occurs, usually within 20 minutes. This reaction is a small bump, similar to a mosquito bite, and may cause itchiness. This indicates that you are allergic to that specific trigger.

Following the scratch test on the back, some patients may also receive intradermal testing. This is where a small amount of the allergen is injected under the skin of the arm to see if it causes a reaction. This testing is more sensitive and can help identify allergens when skin test results are inconclusive.

Skin Testing Results

Patients will be made aware during their initial visit what allergens they have tested positive to. Depending on the results of your skin test, our providers will determine the best way to treat your allergy symptoms. Learn more about what to expect during an allergy skin test.

Don’t suffer from untreated allergies. Schedule an appointment today with one of our board-certified allergists, and move towards a healthier tomorrow.