ALLERGY SKIN TESTING

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WHAT IS ALLERGY SKIN TESTING?

Allergy skin testing is used along with medical history to determine exactly what things a person is allergic to. Skin tests are done in an allergist’s office and give fast results. To protect the patient, skin tests must be carried out by trained practitioners with an understanding of the variables and risks of the testing procedure. The skill of the tester can also affect the accuracy of the results. Pulmonary Associates of Richmond Allergy Center is a safe, effective location to receive the highest quality allergy skin testing and most accurate results.

Skin tests for allergic disorders have been used successfully for more than 100 years. Today, prick or scratch tests are the most commonly used type of skin test because they are not very invasive and produce quick results. If the results of prick or scratch tests are negative, the doctor may follow them with intradermal tests or blood tests, which give allergists more details about what’s causing the symptoms.

WHAT CAN ALLERGY SKIN TESTS DIAGNOSE?

Allergy skin tests are widely used to help diagnose allergic conditions, including:

  • Hay fever

  • Allergic reaction

  • Dermatitis

  • Food allergies

  • Penicillin allergy

WHAT IS ALLERGY SKIN TESTING?

During allergy skin tests at Pulmonary Associates of Richmond Allergy Center, your skin is exposed to suspected allergy-causing substances (allergens) and is then observed for signs of an allergic reaction.

The allergist will review the patient’s medical history and perform a physical exam to determine that allergy skin testing is appropriate and safe for the patient.

The allergist’s team performs skin testing using the prick or scratch test. During the test, a tiny drop of a possible allergen is pricked or scratched into the skin. This process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. The allergens are usually put on the forearm in adults and on the back in children.

After about 15 minutes, the allergist will be able to see if a small red lump has appeared where any of the allergens were placed. The larger the bump, the more sensitive you may be to it. When a red lump appears, you are considered “positive” for an allergy to that allergen.

The allergist will watch for a possible severe allergic reaction during the test, but it rarely happens.

Based on what the allergist sees by your reactions to the tests, she will create a plan for controlling your allergies.

Allergy skin testing

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I AM POSITIVE FOR AN ALLERGEN?

When you have an allergy, the ideal way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the allergen. Sometimes, avoidance is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction. Other times, it is not possible to avoid specific allergens, and you will need treatment to help. Your specialist at Pulmonary Associates of Richmond Allergy Center will help you determine what the best treatment is for you.

Every situation is different and depends on the following:

  • What allergen affects you?

  • Are you allergic to one thing or many?

  • Can you avoid the allergens or not?

  • How severe are your allergic reactions?

  • How well are you responding to medicines?

  • What other health issues do you have?

Based on the answers to those questions, you and your doctor can work together to determine the most effective treatment option for your situation.

Some possible treatment options include:

  • Avoiding or limiting contact with your allergens

  • Medications to relieve your symptoms. Medications may include antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays or eye drops

  • Allergy shots

  • Carrying a medical alert card that alerts others to your severe allergy

  • Carrying an epinephrine injection (EpiPen) for an anaphylactic allergic reaction

IS ALLERGY TESTING SAFE?

Testing done by an allergist is generally safe and effective for adults and children of all ages. The allergen extracts or vaccines used in allergy tests performed by allergists meet U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements.

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