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Testing Intake
Skin Prick Testing
In-clinic allergy testing with results typically available same day.
Prepantihistamine holdindicationswhat to expectinterpretation
Overview
Skin prick testing (SPT) is the most common and reliable method for diagnosing allergic sensitization. It's quick, relatively painless, and provides results within 15-20 minutes.
prep
medications
hold
- Oral antihistamines: Stop 5-7 days before testing
- Topical antihistamines: Avoid on testing area
- Tricyclic antidepressants: May need to hold (discuss with provider)
- H2 blockers: Usually okay, but discuss with provider
okay
- Nasal steroids: Continue as normal
- Inhaled medications: Continue as normal
- Most other medications: Usually fine
day Of
- Eat normally (no fasting required)
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Avoid applying lotions or creams to arms/back
- Bring list of current medications
indications
- Suspected allergic rhinitis
- Food allergy evaluation
- Insect sting allergy
- Medication allergy (selected cases)
- Occupational allergy
- Asthma with suspected allergic triggers
what To Expect
process
- Small drops of allergen extracts placed on skin (usually forearm or back)
- Light prick through each drop with sterile lancet
- Minimal discomfort - feels like light scratch
- Wait 15-20 minutes for reaction
- Measure any raised bumps (wheals) that develop
duration
Total appointment time: 30-60 minutes
reactions
- Positive reactions: Raised, itchy bump (wheal) at test site
- Negative reactions: No significant reaction
- Control tests: Histamine (should react) and saline (should not react)
interpretation
positive
- Wheal size of 3mm or larger than negative control
- Indicates sensitization to that allergen
- Must correlate with clinical history to confirm allergy
- Larger wheal doesn't always mean more severe allergy
negative
- No significant reaction
- Suggests no IgE-mediated sensitization
- Doesn't rule out non-IgE mediated reactions
factors
- Wheal size
- Clinical history
- Symptoms with exposure
- Other test results
limitations
- Cannot test if patient has severe eczema or dermatographism
- May be less reliable in very young children
- Results must be interpreted in context of clinical history
- Doesn't predict severity of reactions
after Care
- Mild itching at test sites is normal
- Can use topical antihistamine or hydrocortisone if needed
- Avoid scratching test sites
- Reactions typically resolve within hours
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and create a personalized treatment plan.