Learn More About Your Allergies by Having a Patch Test or Skin Prick Allergy Test Performed

1. June 27, 2017 Learn More About Your Allergies by Having a Patch Test or Skin Prick Allergy Test Performed If you have been considering allergy testing, you may be concerned about the procedures used during the test. Once you know what to expect during allergy testing, you should feel more comfortable about having an allergy test performed. Here are some of the ways an individual is tested for allergies. Page | 1

2. Allergy and asthma care centers typically offer patch testing, skin prick allergy testing, and skin injection testing. Depending on what test your physician recommends, either type of screening may be the best choice for your specific allergy needs. The medical staff at the allergy center can also tell you which tests they will need to use to determine what type of allergies you have. Patch Testing If you have skin or contact allergies, your physician may require you to use a patch test system to determine your allergies. But what is a patch test? A patch test is used to evaluate delayed allergic reactions that may take several days to emerge. Patch tests are the primary method of determining what may be the cause of contact dermatitis symptoms. No needles are used during a patch test. Instead, several squares containing extracts of various substances are placed on your skin. Some of the extracts placed on your skin may include such allergens as: • Latex • Medications • Preservatives • Hair dye • Metals • Fragrances • Resin Anywhere from 20 to 30 substances of extracts may be applied to your back. These are documented and left on your back for several days. While wearing the patches, you should not get the patches wet by showering, bathing, swimming, or sweating. Usually, an individual wears the patches for about 48 hours. At your next allergist’s appointment, the office medical staff will remove the patches and evaluate your skin for signs of an allergic sensitivity such as itching, redness, and swelling. Skin Prick Allergy Test Puncture or scratch tests check for fast reactions to allergens. During this type of test, a lancet is used to just barely prick the skin’s surface on the back or upper arm. The test is used to Page | 2

3. evaluate pollen, dander, mold, dust mites, and food allergies. The procedure is virtually painless, and no bleeding will occur. Neutral substances may also be placed into the skin for a comparison. The nurse or doctor applying the allergens will clean the skin with alcohol, prick the skin, and then use a drop of allergen to the area. About 15 minutes later, a trained healthcare professional will look at the pinpricks to determine whether or not you’ve had a reaction to any of the allergens. If the area itches, turns red, or swells, you may have an allergy to the substance. Skin Injection Allergy Test A small amount of allergen may also be injected into your skin to test your allergies. The area is observed about 15 minutes later for a reaction. This type of test is used to determine allergies to insect venom or penicillin. Don’t suffer from the symptoms of allergies or put yourself in danger of a serious allergy due to fear of allergy testing. Allergy tests are a simple diagnostic tool that will help your doctor discover and treat any allergies you may have. About Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care: Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care specializes in the testing and treatment of allergies, asthma, and other immune system disorders affecting people of all ages. With the help of expert board-certified physicians, we provide specialized services to patients through our 17 offices throughout the tri-county area of Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Sources: Tests and Procedures: Allergy skin tests, mayoclinic.org If You Get Skin Testing for Allergies, webmd.com Allergy Testing, acaai.org Page | 3