Expert Adult and Pediatric Allergy Testing Services
Allergy testing is a process performed by a board-certified allergist to determine the triggers for an allergic reaction. At Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, we use allergy testing for patients of all ages as part of a comprehensive allergy treatment plan. With many years of allergy diagnostics experience in Atlanta, our doctors help patients control and manage their allergies, reducing the risk of sickness and severe reactions.
Essential Guide to Allergy Testing
Do you suffer from something that you suspect is an allergic reaction, but are unsure of what you are allergic to? If your answer is “yes” and you live anywhere in Atlanta, GA, or surrounding areas, Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center is the best place for you to have your questions answered and put your fears to rest.
Highly Skilled and Experienced Allergist in Atlanta
As a highly skilled and experienced allergist, we know that the most crucial step in allergy treatment is the initial test to determine the precise source of your allergic reaction. The safest and most efficient allergy determinant is a skin test, where we place a concentrated sample of the most common allergens – such as mold, dust, pollen, pet dander, and foods – onto your forearm or back. If an area of your skin associated with a specific allergen experiences swelling, it will confirm your existing allergy.
When Is Allergy Testing Appropriate?
Symptoms which usually alert an allergist to perform testing include:
- Respiratory: itchy eyes, nose or throat; nasal congestion, runny nose, watery eyes, chest congestion, cough or wheezing
- Skin: itchiness or eczema
- Abdominal: vomiting or cramping and diarrhea consistently after eating certain foods
- Severe reactions to stinging insects (other than swelling at the site of the sting)
- Anaphylaxis: a serious allergic reaction that affects multiple parts of the body at once
What Are IgE Skin Tests?
This type of allergy testing is the most common. This is when a very small amount of an allergen is put onto your skin by making small marks and pricks on the surface of your skin. If you have allergies to the allergen used, you will then start to show an allergic reaction.
There Are 3 Types of IgE Skin Tests
Skin Scratch Test – This is the most common method, where we scratch the outer layer of your skin to insert the allergen. The test itself takes 10 minutes and has a 15-minute wait time for a reaction to occur.
Skin Injection Test – This is another great option, particularly if you are being tested for sensitivity to insect bites or penicillin. The timing is approximately the same as that of the scratch test.
Patch Test – This is a less common method, where we place allergen-filled patches onto your skin. The test requires 2 visits with a wait time of 48 hours.
When a skin test or blood test is inconclusive, your allergist may recommend an oral challenge test. This is a highly accurate test where patients consume small doses of the suspected problem food to monitor for mild allergy symptoms.
Common Skin Allergy Test Side Effects
A person not allergic to any of the allergens used in the test will not experience an allergic reaction. In contrast, any sign of a reaction is a strong indicator that an allergy exists. In most cases, the main side effect from the skin allergy test is a red hive or weal (a raised, itchy bump). The larger the hive, the stronger the person’s reaction to the allergen. Occasionally, a skin reaction will occur hours after a test, but symptoms are typically mild.
Crucially, skin allergy testing is conducted at an allergist’s office in an environment where reactions can be monitored. In case of a severe reaction, epinephrine can be quickly administered if needed.
The Main Foods Diagnosed by Food Allergy Testing
While a person could be allergic to foods of various types, the following are the most common foods that cause allergic reactions.
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Milk
- Eggs
- Fish
- Shellfish
Allergy Test Safety
Allergy skin tests are equally safe for both adults and children. However, we strongly recommend informing us of any medications that you or your child may be taking prior to scheduling the skin test.
How to Prepare for an Allergy Test
Before a doctor will recommend a skin test for allergy testing, they will ask you a list of detailed questions about yours or your child’s medical history, signs/symptoms, and how you treat your allergies at home. These questions help determine if allergies run in your family and if it is an allergic reaction that is causing the symptoms that you describe.
Can Medications Interfere With Allergy Testing Results?
Before your doctor can schedule a test, make sure that they know about all your prescription and non-prescription medication that you take. Some medications can alter the allergic reactions caused during the test, or not show a reaction at all. To make sure that your getting 100% results out of the performed testing the doctor and allergy specialist will need to know this detailed information.
For some medications, it takes time for all the medication to clear out of your system. Depending on the medication that you are taking, your doctor may request that you stop taking certain drugs for up to 10 days. Some of the medications that can interfere with a skin test include:
- Prescription Antihistamines: Levocetirizine (Xyzal) and Desloratadine (Clarinex).
- Over-The-Counter Antihistamines: Loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, etc.), Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton), Cetirizine (Zyrtec, etc.) and Fexofenadine (Allegra).
- Tricyclic Antidepressants: Nortriptyline (Pamelor) and Desipramine (Norpramin).
- Some Heartburn Medications: Cimetidine (Tagamet) and Ranitidine (Zantac).
- Asthma medication: Omalizumab (Xolair)
Blood Tests for Allergies
Blood tests are used for people that are unable to have a skin test performed on them due to sensitivity. Even though a blood test is less sensitive than skin tests. It is possible for people to have a positive reaction to a skin test but have a negative reaction to a blood test.
The most common blood test performed is called an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA, EIA) What this test does is measure the blood level of a type of antibody called Immunoglobulin E or IgE, That the body may produce in response to a certain allergen. IgE levels are often higher in people with allergies and/or asthma.
There are two other tests that a lab may perform which are called Radioallergosorbent Testing (RAST) or an Immunoassay Capture Test (ImminoCAP, UniCAP or PharmaciaCAP).
What Is a Challenge Allergy Test?
This is when a small amount of an allergen is inhaled or taken by mouth. This type of allergy testing is performed when there is potential for a food or medication allergy. For this type of test to take place, it is important that the patient is supervised by a physician with specialized training and experience.
An oral food challenge test is an effective method of diagnosing a food allergy. A patient will spend several hours at their allergist’s office consuming small amounts of the problem food. While this might sound concerning, the test is performed under medical supervision and is safe. If a patient can consume the equivalent of a meal-sized portion without any allergic symptoms, they are not allergic to that particular food. Should any signs of an allergic reaction appear, the test is stopped and a positive diagnosis is given.
Why Would a Blood Test Need to be Done Instead?
A blood test may be performed instead of a Skin test for multiple reasons, such as:
- The patient has hives or another skin condition, such as eczema, which can make it hard to see the results of skin testing.
- The patient is unable to stop taking a certain medicine, such as an antihistamine or tricyclic antidepressant, that can prevent or reduce a reaction.
- The patient has had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).
- The patient has had positive skin tests to many foods. A test called Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can find out the type of foods that a person is most likely allergic to.
What Is the Purpose of Food Allergy Testing?
The purpose of allergy testing is to monitor how your body reacts to allergens such as peanuts or shellfish. In the case of skin tests and oral food challenges, allergy symptoms are triggered after a patient is exposed to an allergen. Blood testing for allergies checks a patient’s blood sample for an irregular amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE), a substance the body releases after contact with an allergen.
Though each type of allergy test is different, they all evaluate abnormalities in the body after exposure to an allergen. When allergy symptoms or raised IgE levels are discovered, your allergist can make a positive diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Allergy Testing Questions
Are allergy tests painful?
Allergy tests are not usually painful but may cause some mild discomfort. The needle used in skin prick testing could cause a mild scratching sensation, while blood tests may cause a slight sting when blood is drawn.
Are there any side effects associated with allergy testing?
Possible mild side effects of allergy testing include temporary itching, swelling or redness at the test site. However, tests are performed under medical supervision, ensuring that any adverse reactions are managed quickly.
Can children get tested for allergies?
Children can get tested for allergies safely in order to diagnose an allergy and develop a treatment plan. Allergists will assess symptoms and medical history to determine whether allergy testing is appropriate for a child.
Professional Allergy Testing in Atlanta and the Surrounding Areas
Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center provides allergy testing services for food allergies, seasonal allergies, aspirin allergies and more. For a fast and accurate diagnosis, visit one of our centers in and around the Atlanta area. For assistance, call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
