Allergy Testing
Environmental allergies are very common. Approximately 24 million people in the U.S. have environmental allergies.
What are environmental allergies?
Environmental allergies are substances in your environment that cause your immune system to overreact. Usually, these substances -called 'Allergens' are harmless. But if you have an allergy to a particular substance in your environment, your immune system overreacts to its presence in your body.
What are the symptoms of environmental allergies?
Environmental allergy symptoms include:
Congestion (feeling stuffy).
Dark circles under your eyes (allergic shiners).
Itchy and runny nose.
Red, itchy and watery eyes (epiphora).
Sneezing.
Wheezing (difficulty breathing, usually with a whistling or gasping sound).
Seasonal allergies can also trigger an Asthma attack.
Common Environmental Allergens Includes:
Pollen, Molds, Pet dander and saliva (spit), Dust mites, Cockroaches, Smoke, Dust and many more.
We offer a comprehensive assessment of 80 environmental allergens through scratch test.
What Happens During a Skin Test?
Scratch test, also known as a puncture or prick test: First, your doctor or nurse will look at the skin on your back and clean it with alcohol. They'll mark and label areas on your skin with a pen. Then they'll place a drop of a potential allergen on each of those spots. Next, they'll scratch the outer layer of your skin to let the allergen in. (It's not a shot, and it won't make you bleed.)
In-Office Skin Test For Environmental Allergies:
A skin test can be a fast and affordable way to diagnose the source of your environmental allergies.
Allergic symptoms usually appear around 15 minutes after exposure to the allergen, but some symptoms may emerge later. Symptoms often appear as a red, itchy bump called a wheel or flare. The more noticeable the flare is, the more likely the severity of the allergy.
During your visit, we discuss all test results with you to determine the best course of treatment and how to proceed. Our providers will explain how to manage systems and avoid contact with allergens by removing them from your environments.
If you suffer from environmental allergies, give us a call. We’ll be happy to assist you in scheduling an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is the allergy test performed, and is it painful?
The allergy test is not painful. A comb-like device gently pricks or abrades your skin’s surface. After the test is performed, it takes about 15 minutes to develop. A positive test will appear as a raised, red bump on the skin, similar to a mosquito bite.
How long does the allergy test take?
The test takes approximately 15 minutes to administer and 15 minutes to register the results – so you don’t have to wait long to learn the possible cause of your allergies.
Which allergens will be tested for?
You will be tested for the most frequent, geographically specific, seasonal and perennial Environmental Allergies in the area. We will test for products from dust mites, proteins from pet hair and dander, trees, grass and weed pollens, molds and cockroach allergens.
We do NOT test FOOD ALLERGENS.
Does health insurance cover skin testing for allergies?
Most health insurance plans cover allergy testing once a year. Ask your insurance carrier, if allergy testing is covered under your plan.