When should I get allergy testing?
While your symptoms may clearly point to allergies, allergy testing is the only way to identify your specific allergens. It’s essential to have allergy testing before receiving allergy shots, and testing may be needed to determine the best treatment.
You may also need allergy testing when:
- You’re potentially allergic to substances that cause anaphylaxis
- Your symptoms don’t improve with over-the-counter medications
- Your symptoms last several months or longer
- You have a severe allergic reaction
- You have chronic sinus infections
- You have asthma
Allergens are known to cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic response, include foods, insect venom, medications, and latex.
What type of allergy testing might I receive?
Dr. Sandhu uses several types of allergy tests for allergens specific to Texas, but skin prick testing is the most frequently used test.
Skin prick test
During a skin prick test, Dr. Sandhu places a small dose of one or more suspected allergens on your skin and then gently scratches the skin underneath the substance. You wait in the office for about 15 minutes, and then she checks to see if you had a skin reaction, which indicates you’re allergic to that substance.
Intradermal test
During an intradermal test, Dr. Sandhu injects the suspected allergen under your skin, where you have a quick reaction if you’re allergic to that substance. Intradermal tests are usually done to verify the results when a skin prick test is negative.
Patch test
A patch test is another type of skin test in which contact allergens such as poison ivy and detergents are placed on a patch, then Dr. Sandhu places the patch on your back. You wear the patch for 48 hours, then go back to see Dr. Sandhu so she can check for skin reactions. You may need to continue wearing the patch several more days to give enough time for a reaction to develop.
Will my allergy testing include a blood test?
Blood testing isn’t routinely used because skin prick tests provide immediate results. However, Dr. Sandhu may recommend a blood test if:
- You can’t stop taking medication before your skin test
- You have a skin condition like eczema
- You’re at risk of a severe reaction to the allergens in the skin test
To schedule an evaluation to learn if you should have allergy testing, call Magnolia Allergy and Asthma or use the online booking feature.
