Comprehensive Allergy Testing

Advanced allergy testing to identify triggers for asthma, respiratory allergies, and environmental sensitivities using skin prick tests, blood tests, and specialized diagnostic procedures.

Multiple Test Types Advanced Analysis Expert Interpretation

Understanding Allergy Testing

Allergy testing is a crucial diagnostic tool that identifies specific substances (allergens) that trigger allergic reactions in your body. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine the root cause of respiratory symptoms, skin reactions, and other allergic manifestations, enabling targeted treatment and effective management strategies.

Why Choose Our Allergy Testing Services?

  • Comprehensive testing panel covering 100+ common allergens
  • Expert interpretation by experienced allergist-pulmonologist
  • Multiple testing methodologies for accurate results
  • Personalized treatment plans based on test results
  • Safe testing environment with emergency protocols
  • Detailed patient education and lifestyle guidance

Types of Allergy Tests Available

Skin Prick Test (SPT)

Procedure: Small amounts of allergens are placed on the skin, which is then pricked with a sterile lancet.

Duration: 15-20 minutes for application, 15-20 minutes for results

Advantages: Quick results, cost-effective, high sensitivity, tests multiple allergens simultaneously

Best For: Environmental allergies, food allergies, drug allergies

Intradermal Test

Procedure: Small amounts of diluted allergens are injected just under the skin surface.

Duration: 15-20 minutes for results after injection

Advantages: More sensitive than skin prick test, useful for weak allergens

Best For: Drug allergies, insect venom allergies, environmental allergens

Blood Test (Specific IgE)

Procedure: Blood sample analyzed for specific IgE antibodies against various allergens.

Duration: Results available in 2-3 days

Advantages: Safe for patients with severe allergies, not affected by medications

Best For: Severe eczema, recent allergic reactions, inability to stop antihistamines

Patch Test

Procedure: Allergens applied to patches worn on the back for 48-72 hours.

Duration: 72-96 hours for complete results

Advantages: Identifies delayed allergic reactions, contact allergens

Best For: Contact dermatitis, occupational allergies, cosmetic allergies

Oral Food Challenge

Procedure: Gradual introduction of suspected food allergen under medical supervision.

Duration: 2-4 hours with careful monitoring

Advantages: Gold standard for food allergy diagnosis, definitive results

Best For: Confirming food allergies, assessing tolerance development

Common Allergens We Test

Environmental Allergens
  • Tree pollens (oak, birch, cedar, maple, elm)
  • Grass pollens (bermuda, timothy, johnson, rye)
  • Weed pollens (ragweed, sagebrush, mugwort)
  • Dust mites and house dust
  • Animal dander (cat, dog, horse, rabbit)
  • Mold spores (aspergillus, penicillium, alternaria)
Food Allergens
  • Eggs, milk, wheat, soy
  • Fish, shellfish, crustaceans
  • Tree nuts (almond, walnut, pecan, cashew)
  • Peanuts and legumes
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Gluten and food additives
Drug Allergens
  • Penicillin and beta-lactam antibiotics
  • Sulfonamides and quinolones
  • Local anesthetics (lidocaine, procaine)
  • NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen)
  • Insulin and other biologics
Insect Allergens
  • Honey bee venom
  • Wasp and yellow jacket venom
  • Fire ant venom
  • Cockroach allergens

Allergy Testing Procedure

1
Pre-Test Consultation

Medical History: Detailed review of symptoms, triggers, family history, and current medications.

Physical Examination: Assessment of skin, respiratory system, and signs of allergic conditions.

2
Test Selection & Preparation

Customized Panel: Selection of appropriate allergens based on symptoms and exposure history.

Medication Review: Temporary discontinuation of antihistamines and other interfering medications.

3
Skin Testing Process

Site Preparation: Cleaning and marking of testing sites on forearm or back.

Allergen Application: Systematic application of allergens with appropriate controls (histamine and saline).

4
Monitoring & Results

Observation Period: 15-20 minutes monitoring for reactions with measurement of wheal and flare.

Documentation: Detailed recording of reaction sizes and grading of severity.

5
Result Interpretation

Analysis: Correlation of test results with clinical symptoms and exposure history.

Grading: Classification of reactions from 0 (negative) to 4+ (severe positive).

6
Treatment Planning

Avoidance Strategies: Detailed guidance on allergen avoidance and environmental control.

Medication Plan: Prescription of appropriate antihistamines, nasal sprays, or other treatments.

Understanding Your Results

Reaction Severity Scale
  • 0 (Negative): No reaction, wheal same size as negative control
  • 1+ (Mild): Wheal 3-5mm larger than negative control
  • 2+ (Moderate): Wheal 6-10mm larger than negative control
  • 3+ (Large): Wheal 11-15mm larger than negative control
  • 4+ (Very Large): Wheal >15mm larger than negative control
Important Considerations
  • Positive test doesn't always mean clinical allergy
  • Results must be correlated with symptoms and exposure
  • Some people may have positive tests without symptoms
  • Negative tests don't rule out all types of allergic reactions

Treatment Options Based on Results:

  • Allergen Avoidance: Environmental control and lifestyle modifications
  • Medications: Antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, bronchodilators
  • Immunotherapy: Allergy shots or sublingual tablets for long-term treatment
  • Emergency Plan: Epinephrine auto-injectors for severe allergies
  • Environmental Control: Air purifiers, dust mite covers, pet restrictions

Testing Information

  • Duration: 45-60 minutes
  • Multiple test types available
  • Safe, controlled environment
  • Expert supervision
  • Immediate results for skin tests
  • Comprehensive analysis

Pre-Test Restrictions

  • Stop antihistamines 5-7 days before
  • Avoid certain medications
  • Avoid sun exposure to test sites
  • No skin lotions on test day
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing
  • Inform about recent illness

Who Should Get Tested

  • Asthma patients
  • Allergic rhinitis symptoms
  • Eczema or skin allergies
  • Suspected food allergies
  • Insect sting reactions
  • Drug allergy concerns

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Expert Allergy Testing Services

Comprehensive allergy testing with advanced diagnostic methods, expert interpretation, and personalized treatment plans to help you manage allergies effectively and improve your quality of life.

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