Allergy Skin Testing

Allergy Skin Testing

Allergy Skin Testing

Allergy Skin Testing2024-07-18T17:43:29+00:00

Allergies affect millions of adults and children in the United States each year.

If you have allergies or suspect that you’re allergic to something, your allergist may recommend a type of allergy testing called skin testing. Skin allergy testing is the most common method of checking for allergies to a specific substance. To check for allergies, your doctor will put a small amount of an allergen, such as food or pollen, on your skin. The allergist will then either scratch the skin lightly or prick the outer layer to see if you develop a reaction.

Allergies affect millions of adults and children in the United States each year. A skin test combined with a medical history, may be an essential first step to treating allergic conditions. Common testing extracts include pollen, molds, dust mites, animal dander, insect stings and foods.

ALLERGY TESTING

Prick skin testing, also known as scratch testing, is one type of allergy test. A small disposable prick device applies the allergy extract to the skin by scratching or pricking the skin. A hive or raised bump may occur at the site of the prick test. Each test site will be measured and compared to a positive and negative control allowing for specific allergies of the patient to be identified. Prick testing may be applied to the forearms or the back depending upon the age of the patient, the number of tests ordered, and the condition of the skin. Results occur, typically between 10-20 minutes.

Intradermal skin testing is another type of allergy testing. A small intradermal injection applies the allergy extract underneath the skin. A hive or raised bump may occur at the site of the intradermal test. Each test site will be measured and compared to a positive and negative control allowing for specific allergies of the patient to be identified. Intradermal testing is typically applied to the outer arm. Results occur, typically between 10- 20 minutes.

Blood testing is another type of allergy testing usually used because the following reasons:

  • 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, which may interfere with the accuracy of skin testing

  • Testing with a strong allergen might cause an extra large positive reaction or at worse a systemic reaction

  • For babies and very young children, a single needle stick for allergy blood testing may be better than several skin prick/intradermal tests.

  • The allergen needed to be tested for is not available with prick or intradermal

Prick, intradermal and blood testing may be performed on both adult and pediatric patients.

Allergy-Testing-Tottori

What to Expect

Once your allergist pricks your skin for an allergy test, it will take about 15 minutes for a reaction to appear. The skin may be slightly red and swollen for about 30 minutes. While a skin prick is the most common skin allergy test, several other types of tests may be performed by an allergy doctor in Las Vegas. This includes injecting trace amounts of an allergen into your skin or taping samples of allergens to the surface of your skin for 48 hours.

What Allergies are Included in a Skin Test?

A skin test can be used to check for several allergens. Some of the most common are:

  • Environmental allergies (such as mold, tree pollen, or grass pollen

  • Pet dander

  • Food allergies (such as eggs, shellfish, and peanuts)

  • Medications (including penicillin)

Some medications may interfere with the results of your allergy skin testing. Tell your doctor if you take any medications, as you may need to stop them first before having a skin test. Additionally, your allergist may order additional testing if necessary to confirm an allergy.

What are the Risks?

Skin tests are safe for most people, but they can occasionally cause a more severe reaction. For that reason, tests are done at a doctor’s office, where reactions can be professionally handled and monitored by a licensed medical provider.

To find relief for your allergy and asthma symptoms, contact Dr. Totorri, the best allergy doctor in Las Vegas, for an appointment online or by calling (702) 240 4233.

Our West Location

9020 W. Cheyenne Ave

Patient parking is conveniently located near the (south) front entrance and (north) rear entrance of our building. Additional parking is located on the (west) side of our building. Accessible parking available.

Patient parking is conveniently located near the (south) front entrance and (north) rear entrance of our building. Additional parking is located on the (west) side of our building. Accessible parking available.

Day Office Hours Allergy Shot Hours
Monday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 9:00 am-11:15 am / 2:00 pm-4:45 pm
Tuesday CLOSED CLOSED
Wednesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 9:00 am-11:15 am / 2:00 pm-4:45 pm
Thursday CLOSED CLOSED
Friday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 9:00 am-11:15 am / 2:00 pm-4:45 pm
Saturday 8:00 am – 12:00 pm 8:30 am – 11:45 am
Sunday CLOSED CLOSED

Office Hours

Monday
8am-5pm / Allergy Shots 9:00 am-11:15 am / 2:00 pm-4:45 pm

Tuesday
CLOSED

Wednesday
8am-5pm / Allergy Shots 9:00 am-11:15 am / 2:00 pm-4:45 pm

Thursday
CLOSED

Friday
8am-5pm / Allergy Shots 9:00 am-11:15 am / 2:00 pm-4:45 pm

Saturday
8am-12pm / Allergy Shots 8:30-11:45am

Sunday
CLOSED

Our East Location

4000 E. Charleston Blvd, Suite 100

Patient parking is conveniently located near the (east) side entrance of our building, adjacent to the large parking lot. Additional parking is located on the (north, south and west) side of our building. Accessible parking available.

Patient parking is conveniently located near the (east) side entrance of our building, adjacent to the large parking lot. Additional parking is located on the (north, south and west) side of our building. Accessible parking available.

Day Office Hours Allergy Shot Hours
Monday CLOSED CLOSED
Tuesday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 9:00 am – 11:15 am / 2:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Wednesday CLOSED CLOSED
Thursday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm 9:00 am – 11:15 am / 2:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Friday 8:45 am – 5:45 pm 9:00 am – 11:15 am / 2:00 pm – 4:45 pm
Saturday CLOSED CLOSED
Sunday CLOSED CLOSED

Office Hours

Monday
CLOSED

Tuesday
8am-5pm / Allergy Shots 9:00 am – 11:15 am / 2:00 pm – 4:45 pm

Wednesday
CLOSED

Thursday
8am-5pm / Allergy Shots 9:00 am – 11:15 am / 2:00 pm – 4:45 pm

Friday
8:45am-5:45pm / Allergy Shots 9:00 am–11:15 am/2:00 pm–4:45 pm

Saturday
CLOSED

Sunday
CLOSED

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