Allergy Testing Specialist

What are allergies?

If you have allergies your immune system reacts to certain substances, such as pet dander, pollen, insect stings, or food, which don’t cause reactions in most other people. Your immune system identifies certain substances, or allergens, as harmful to your body. Symptoms of allergies include:

• Inflamed skin
• A stuffy, runny, or itchy nose
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Red or watery eyes
• Throat or facial swelling
• Hives, a rash, or itchy skin

Allergy symptoms range from mild to severe or even life-threatening in some cases. If you suspect you have an allergy, allergy testing at Allergy & Clinical Immunology Medical Group helps determine what you’re allergic to.

What is allergy testing?

Various allergy tests are available. Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan let you know which one is right for you based on your health and symptoms. Examples include:

Skin prick tests

During a skin prick test, the nursing staff places small amounts of potential allergens on the skin on your back. The pricks on the skin allow allergens to penetrate your skin’s surface. The patient is observed for about 15-20 minutes for signs of swelling and skin redness. A skin reaction indicates an allergy.

Intradermal skin tests

A small amount of possible allergens is injected under the skin on your upper arm during an intradermal skin test. The patient is observed for signs of a reaction, which indicates an allergy.

Patch testing

A patch test helps diagnose the cause of allergic skin reactions that occur after substances touch your skin. To complete patch testing, your doctor tapes possible allergens to your skin for 48 hours and views affected areas 48-72 hours later to look for signs of reactions.

Blood tests

Blood tests also help your provider find out what you’re allergic to. The medical lab will draw your blood to measure levels of allergen-specific antibodies to diagnose food or airborne allergies.

Which allergy test is right for me?

Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan let you know which allergy tests are appropriate for you based on your symptoms. They might recommend asthma tests as well. To schedule an allergy or asthma test, call Allergy & Clinical Immunology Medical Group today or use the online scheduler.