Allergy Skin Testing

“Get tested, get treated, and get better!”

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Why test for allergies?

Finding out what you are allergic to is an important first step to effective allergy treatment. Today allergy tests are more convenient and accurate than ever before. When combined with an examination and medical history by your doctor, allergy testing can identify the specific things that are causing your allergies.

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Who can be tested for allergies?

Adults and children age 6 and above are routinely tested at ENT & Allergy Specialists. Children age 6 and below can often have a simple blood test done at the hospital, under the direction of your doctor.

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How do allergy skin tests work?

A small amount of the suspected allergen is injected into the skin of the arm or forearm. Several suspected allergens known to be prevalent in the Ohio River valley are tested at the same time. If you are allergic to one of allergens, you will have some redness and a bump at the test spot. Our tests are designed to identify not just what you are allergic to, but also to quantify the strength of that allergen, to help guide you physician in designing a treatment protocol specific for you.

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How long does it take to get skin test results?

Skin testing is fast. You will know the same day what you are allergic to, and avoidance measures will be discussed with you by our allergy specialists.

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Does it hurt?

Skin tests have little or no pain. Positive reactions can be associated with some itching or burning at the test site, which does not last long.

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Do I have to stop any of my medicines before testing?

Common allergy medicines, both over the counter and prescription can affect your skin testing. We require that you stop these medications ahead of time, usually from a few days to 1 week before testing. We will discuss which medicine you should discontinue before your testing.

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Who should get a blood test instead of skin testing?

• Patients who cannot stop medications which interfere with allergy testing.
• Patients who suffer from certain skin conditions.
• For babies and very young children, a single blood test is usually better tolerated.

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Are there risks or side effects from allergy testing?

Any procedure or test involves some risk. The most common reaction is itching, burning, redness or swelling at the test site. Extremely rarely, more serious reactions can occur. That is why skin tests are only done by specialized personnel at our offices, and testing only done at our offices when there is a physician is present and immediately available.

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What allergies can allergy testing find?

Our allergy tests help find allergies to tree, pollen, weeds, grasses, dust mites, animals, and molds.

SLIT (Sublingual Immunotherapy) Patient Instructions Sheet