ALLERGY TESTING
Depending on the severity of your allergy symptoms and whether symptoms are adequately controlled with medications, your ENT & allergy provider may recommend allergy testing to identify your sensitivities and triggers. Our allergy test is preselected for allergens present in the Houston region. Results of allergy testing may help guide management and get better control of your allergy symptoms through avoidance.
ALLERGY TESTING FAQs
It should be noted that allergy testing is not perfect. Results may show a positive result to an allergen, but you may not experience significant symptoms outside of testing. Testing does not include every possible substance you may be allergic to but includes the most common allergens in our region. For example, chemicals in fragrances, cleaning supplies, cigarette smoke, and pollution can not be tested in allergy tests but can cause significant symptoms in our patients. Aside from personal history taking and observation, allergy testing provides the best tool to identify allergic triggers.
WHO CAN BE ALLERGY TESTED?
We test adults and children starting at the age of 5 based on individual tolerance. Younger children or those that may not tolerate testing may qualify for allergy blood tests done at a lab or local hospital.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ALLERGY SKIN TEST?
Testing is performed on the upper back by applying a plastic applicator coated with a small amount of allergen. Depending on levels of sensitivity indicated by redness, swelling and possible itching, a second titration study is performed to determine dosing for immunotherapy treatment. This is completed by injecting a bit of reactive allergen into the skin of the arm or forearm. Injection is performed with a very small needle and usually causes little to no pain. Occasionally some itching or burning may result based on your sensitivity to the allergen. 15 to 20 minutes after application, results are interpreted through measurements of swelling and redness. Areas of itching are treated with topical hydrocortisone. The entire process may take up to one hour depending on the number of sensitivities.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR ALLERGY TESTING?
Certain allergy medicines, reflux medications, and blood pressure medications may interfere with skin test results. A list of specific medications and when to stop them prior to the test can be found in the link below. Usually, medications may have to be stopped a few days to a week prior to the test date. It is necessary to stop these medications before testing so that results are as accurate as possible. Medications may be resumed immediately after testing.
WHO SHOULD GET ALLERGY BLOOD TESTS?
Allergy blood tests can be quite expensive. Despite this, blood tests may be offered to people who may not be good candidates for skin testing. Allergy blood tests may be offered for young children who are unable to tolerate skin testing, for individuals that may have active skin disease or who are unable to stop certain medications that would interfere with skin test results.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS OF ALLERGY TESTING?
The most common side effect of allergy skin testing is itching, burning, redness or swelling at the testing site. Very rarely, a more serious reaction may occur such as shortness of breath or changes in blood pressure. This is why allergy testing is performed in a physician’s office well equipped to identify and treat more significant symptoms that may develop.
Allergy History Form
Required for all allergy testing patients.
Allergy Testing Consent Form
Required for all allergy testing patients.
Instructions Prior to Allergy Testing
Follow these instructions prior to your appointment for allergy testing.