What you need to know about

Allergy skin testing

No needles

No needles are used to test for allergens, such as grasses, trees, weeds, mold, dust mites and foods. After applying a drop of allergen to a plastic applicator, we brush the applicator tip on your skin – usually your back. Most patients say the procedure either tickles or they don’t feel anything. A few tell us that it tingles or feels like a tiny prick.

About 20 minutes later, our nurse reads the results by looking at how many hives develop on your skin. As the hives develop, you could experience some itching and burning. The hives’ size and redness help identify which allergens are causing your allergic reaction. After your results are documented, lotion is applied to your skin to alleviate any itching. Infants, children and adults can be comfortably and reliably tested.

The best time for allergy testing

You don’t need to experience any allergy symptoms to be evaluated for allergies. Our skin testing methods will accurately determine what allergens cause your allergy symptoms. In fact, if you are a seasonal allergy sufferer, it’s wise to get your immunotherapy treatment started 3-6 months before your difficult time of year, so the immunotherapy will start to protect you when allergy season begins.

Preparing for allergy testing

No antihistamines prior to testing

This list is not an all inclusive. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any type of allergy, cold or sinus medication and are not certain if it contains antihistamine. Do not stop taking any other type of medication except antihistamines until you see the allergist.

We can test for many causes of your allergy/asthma symptoms