The skin test is the most reliable way to test for allergies. The doctors decide what tests need to be done based on your history. This might be testing to certain foods, pollens, animals, or drugs.

A tiny bit of the specific allergen is introduced via a tiny “prick” onto the skin on your back.  The tests are read in 20 minutes…we measure how much itching and redness there is at the site.  If more testing is required, a small amount of the allergen is introduced under the skin, usually on the forearm.  Similar reactions are read in 15 minutes.

Typically, the best plan for your care can be determined at that time. These tests are safe, minimally invasive (patches with numbing cream applied prior to the visit are always an option.)

Skin test are more accurate and reliable than blood tests.

Prior to your testing:

1.) Certain meds need to be stopped 1 week prior (see list).

• You may continue the rest of your medications. Please do not stop your asthma or blood pressure or diabetic meds!
• You may always contact the office to clarify if a certain medicine is allowable on the date of your appointment.

2.) You may continue the rest of your medications. Please do not stop your asthma or blood pressure or diabetic meds!

3.) You may always contact the office to clarify if a certain medicine is allowable on the date of your appointment.

Patch testing is different from the allergy skin testing. Where the environmental allergy test results are known, in most cases, at your skin testing visit, the patch test results take longer.

Basically, your doctor will decide what patch tests you need. These patches are placed on your clean back.  This is a quick visit, as the nurses just apply the testing.

Your first return visit is in 48 hours. At that visit, the nurses carefully remove your patches. You will need to let your back be exposed to the ambient air.  In ½ hour, we can check the individual tests, looking for a red, itchy reaction.

You need to return in 2 more days for the final reading. We look for any new reactions at this time and can then discuss what each (+) test means.

Types of patch testing include:

• Metal patch testing done before your hip or knee replacement to make sure you are not allergic to a specific metal.
• Personal products (ie. cosmetics) that may be the reason for your facial skin issues.
• TRUE patch tests looking for why you may have a more widespread rash.