Allergy Testing Specialist

What is allergy testing?

Allergy testing is a group of screening measures that determine if you’re allergic to one (or several) foods, materials, or environmental factors. By undergoing allergy testing, you can identify your triggers and take steps to avoid them. What’s more, your provider can use the results of your tests to recommend medications and therapies.

Who can benefit from allergy testing?

Make an allergy testing appointment at Advanced ENT & Allergy if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Chronic runny nose
• Post-nasal drip
• Nasal congestion
• Recurrent sinus problems
• Hives
• Itchy skin
• Cough
• Facial swelling

You might also experience gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea if you have a food allergy.

How do I prepare for allergy testing?

Before recommending allergy testing, your Advanced ENT & Allergy provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, including when your flare-ups occur and if you take any prescription medication.  

To ensure accurate results, your provider might ask you to stop taking certain drugs in the days leading up to your allergy test. That’s especially true if you take famotidine for heartburn (like Pepcid) or over-the-counter antihistamines like Benadryl.

What are the types of allergy testing?

Advanced ENT & Allergy offers several types of allergy testing, including:

Intradermal skin tests

An intradermal skin test is the most accurate form of testing. Your provider injects a small amount of a specific allergen into the dermis of your skin (a layer just below the surface). If your skin develops a welt or starts itching, you’re allergic to that substance.

Patch tests

During a patch test, you wear a special adhesive patch for 72 hours. The patch exposes you to a dozen or more suspected allergens. Your provider removes the patch at your follow-up appointment to see which allergens irritated your skin.

Blood tests

Sometimes skin tests can't be performed, because of risky conditions. In that case, your provider orders a blood test. An allergy blood test measures the amount of immunoglobulin E antibodies in your bloodstream. IgE antibodies are what trigger an allergic reaction.

To learn more about the benefits of allergy testing, make an appointment at Advanced ENT & Allergy by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.