Why is this procedure done?
Allergy tests are used to find out what things are causing allergic reactions. Allergen is a common name for the things you might be allergic to. ‚
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What will the results be?
Once you find out what causes your allergy, you can take steps to avoid these things. This will help reduce allergic signs. Ask your doctor about ways to control your allergies. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will ask about your health history. Be sure to keep a list of the details of your allergy: ‚
- What time of the day does it happen?
- What did you come in contact with?
- Where does it happen?
- What did you eat?
- What were you doing when it happened?
Do not take drugs for allergy before the test. Drugs may cause problems with the test results. Ask your doctor about which drugs you should avoid before the test. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
You will most often have your allergy tests in an outpatient center. You will be awake for the tests. There are a few ways of doing allergy tests. ‚
- Blood testing ¢ ˆ ’ It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood to see if it reacts to certain things. Your blood may be tested for reactions to dust, mold, foods, animal hair, and pollen from flowers or trees.
- Skin testing ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor puts the allergen directly on your skin. This may be done with a shallow scratch or with a skin prick needle. The needle pushes the allergen into the top layer of your skin. You will need one scratch or skin prick for each allergen tested. Your skin may get red or swollen if you have an allergy. This most often takes about 15 to 20 minutes to show up. If you have an allergy, the doctor may give you some other test. For this one, the allergen is placed deeper in the skin.
- Patch testing ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor will put a patch of paper with many allergens on your skin. A special kind of glue holds it on your skin. The doctor will look at your skin 2 times to see which substances may have caused an allergic reaction on your skin. The doctor will look for a blister-like lump on your skin. You may also have itching if there is an allergy. Do not wash your back or take a bath until the doctor does the final reading.
- After you have had the paper on your skin for 48 hours, the doctor will take the paper off and do the first reading.
- The doctor will leave the paper off of your skin and do one more reading in 48 hours. This is the final reading. Then you are able to bathe or wash your back.
- Provocation/challenge testing ¢ ˆ ’ You will breathe in or eat some of the allergen. This may cause a very bad allergic response. Your doctor is the only one who should do this test.
What happens after the procedure?
You may go home right after the procedure. There may be some mild pain where you had a skin test. If you have an allergy, you may also have some itching. Your doctor will tell you what you need to do at home. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor will give you guidelines, based on your results from the tests.
- Stay away from the things that cause your allergy.
- Read the labels of products or drugs with care.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
What follow-up care is needed?
Some more tests may need to be done. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Swelling, redness, itching of your skin. This most often goes away within a few hours after the test.
- Allergic response which includes wheezing or swelling of face, lips, or throat
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, or mouth
- Rash all over the body
- Any questions or concerns
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology ‚
http://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/at-a-glance/allergy-testing.aspx ‚
http://www.acaai.org/allergist/allergies/treatment/diagnosing-allergies/pages/allergy-testing.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚