Allergy Testing

What is allergy testing?

Allergy testing exposes you to specific allergens to see if they cause your immune system to overreact. If you have a reaction to a specific substance, it means you’re allergic. 

Allergies affect everyone differently. Sometimes, they’re a minor annoyance; but in other cases, they’re potentially life-threatening. Testing can alert you to triggers and preserve your health. 

Who can benefit from allergy testing?

Request an allergy testing appointment at Elite Primary Care, PA, if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Headaches
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nasal congestion, sneezing, or a runny nose
• Shortness of breath, wheezing
• Sore throat
• Red, itchy skin
• Cardiovascular problems like a weak or rapid pulse

If you have food allergies, you may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, like cramping, bloating, or diarrhea. 

What are the types of allergy testing?

Elite Primary Care, PA, offers several types of allergy testing, including:

Skin prick testing

A skin prick test exposes you to several different allergens at once.

During treatment, your provider lightly punctures your skin with a needle, exposing you to several different allergens. If your skin swells, turns red, or itches, in response, it means you’re allergic to that specific allergen.

Patch test

If you have dry or itchy skin, your provider recommends a patch test. 

During a patch test, you wear a special bandage with an allergen applied to the bottom. After wearing the special bandage for several days, you return to Elite Primary Care, PA, and your provider removes it. If your skin beneath is red or irritated, it means you’re allergic to that specific substance.

Blood tests

This type of allergy test measures the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in your blood. If you’re allergic to a specific substance, your immune system produces extra IgE –– a protein that helps fight germs.

Challenge tests

If you have food or drug allergies, your doctor may recommend a challenge test. This type of allergy test exposes you to allergens in different dosages to see what amount triggers a reaction.

How do I prepare for allergy testing?

You need to avoid antihistamines and other similar medicines for at least a week before your allergy test to ensure accuracy. That’s because these medications affect the way your body responds to potential triggers.

Call Elite Primary Care, PA, today to request allergy testing, or make your appointment online.