At Associated Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists, we provide
allergy testing for many different allergens, including cats,
dogs, dust mites and seasonal allergies associated with
allergic rhinitis, such as grass, trees and leaves.
Once testing is complete, patients can select between
traditional allergy injections (subcutaneous immunotherapy or
SCIT for short), or allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy or
SLIT for short). What's the difference?
With allergy injections, the patient comes to the office
weekly for their allergy injection. Associated E.N.T. is one
of only five offices in the state to offer the newer allergy
drops. The drops are an outstanding alternative
for patients who would otherwise not want to go through
injection immunotherapy. They can avoid the needles and the
inconvenience of having to come into the office as much. In
our practice, once the patient decides to use SLIT, we give
the first dose in the office to make sure there’s no reaction.
Then we give them enough solution for 12 weeks at a time.
Every three months, the patient calls to reorder their drops.
The drops are placed under the tongue, once a day.
Allergy Testing
Why is allergy testing important?
More than 50 million people in the United States have
allergies.
Finding out what you are allergic to is an important first
step to effective allergy treatment. Today allergy tests are
more convenient and accurate than ever before. When combined
with a detailed medical history, allergy testing can identify
the specific things that trigger your allergic reactions.
Who can be tested for allergies?
Adults and children of any age can be tested for allergies.
How are allergy tests done?
Allergy testing can be done as skin tests or as blood
tests. Usually, allergy tests are done under the guidance of
an allergy specialist. These specialists are trained in the
best methods for testing and treating allergies.
How do allergy skin tests work?
There are two types of skin tests. During the first type of
skin test, a drop of a suspected allergen is pricked or
scratched on the surface of the skin. The test is performed on
the back or forearm. Many suspected allergens are tested at
the same time. If you are allergic to one of the tests, you
will have redness and swelling at the test spot.
Sometimes the doctor will recommend a second type of test.
In this type, a small amount of the suspected allergen is
injected into the skin of the arm or forearm. Several
suspected allergens are tested at the same time.
How long does it take to get skin test results?
Skin testing is fast. For both types of skin tests, positive
reactions usually appear within 20 minutes. Sometimes redness
and swelling can occur several hours after skin testing. The
delayed reaction usually disappears in 24 to 48 hours, but
should be reported to the allergy nurse.
Is skin testing painful?
Both types of skin tests have little or no pain.
However, positive reactions cause annoying itching red bumps
which look and feel like mosquito bites. The itching and bumps
are gone usually in just a few short minutes or hours.
Does medicine interfere with allergy skin tests?
Some medicines do interfere with allergy skin tests. The
allergist will tell you if you have to change your medicine
before allergy skin testing.
When are allergy blood tests used?
An allergy blood test is often used because:
- The patient is taking a medicine that can interfere with
skin testing, but cannot be stopped for a few days
- The patient suffers from a severe skin condition such as
eczema or psoriasis
- Testing with a strong allergen might cause an extra
large positive reaction
- For babies and very young children, a single needle
stick for allergy blood testing may be better than several
skin tests.
How long does it take to get blood test results?
Because the blood sample must be sent to a lab for testing, it
takes many days to get the results.
Which test method is best?
Skin tests give fast results. They usually cost less than
allergy blood tests. What are the negatives? Young children do
not like this type of test. Some medicines can interfere with
the tests. In addition, in some people with dark skin it may
be hard to read the tests. Also, the skill of the tester may
affect the results. The test should be done by a person with
lots of training.
Blood tests are helpful because they involve a single
needle prick. Medicine does not interfere with the results.
However, it takes a long time to get the results. Blood tests
cost more than skin tests. There are many of types of allergy
blood tests. Some types are more helpful than others.
Each test method has pluses and minuses. The test results
alone do not diagnose allergies. All test results, from either
type of test, must be interpreted together with the medical
history.
Are there risks or side effects from allergy
testing?
Any medical test involves some risk. The risk with allergy
skin tests is that allergy symptoms might occur during the
test. The most common symptoms are itching and swelling of the
skin where the tests are. In rare cases, a more serious
reaction can occur. That is why skin tests should be done by a
specialist. The risk with allergy blood tests is pain or
bleeding at the needle mark.
What allergies can allergy testing find?
Allergy tests help find allergies to pollen, molds, dust
mites, animal dander, insect stings, foods and some medicines.
