Patient
instruction before allergy testing
Do
not take any of the following antihistamines before
your test appointment
(for the time intervals listed):
Benadryl |
1-3
days |
Zyrtec |
7
Days |
Allegra |
7 Days |
Claritin/Clarinex |
7 days |
Atarax |
7 Days |
Astelin |
2 Days |
other
over the counter anithistamines |
1-3
days |
Testing
will not be administered if the above medications
are taken prior to the test.
 |
 |
| Scratch
Test |
|
Allergy
skin testing identifies the specific allergens that
trigger reactions. Allergists use the findings of
allergy tests to develop the most effective patient
specific treatment plan.
Allergy testing consists of two types of skin tests;
percutaneous, also known as scratch test, and intradermal
testing. During the scratch test a drop of the allergen
is placed on the forearm and then scratched. If
the patient reacts to the allergen, the scratch
will become red and swollen. This is a positive
test.
If the scratch test is negative (no sign of redness
or swelling) then the intradermal test is done.
The intradermal test consists of small amounts of
allergen solution injected just below the surface
of the patient’s skin using a very fine needle.
As with the scratch test, redness and swelling at
the injected site will identify a positive reaction.
Allergy skin testing is performed quickly and positive
results usually appear within 10-15 minutes. Patients
report that scratch and intradermal testing is only
slightly uncomfortable. We test children and adults
of all ages, including infants.
Allergy testing can be performed for most common
allergens. Such allergens include pollens, molds,
dust mites, dust, animal dander and stinging insects.
Various foods such as peanut, egg, wheat, shellfish
and milk are also tested.
by
Maite Garrido, ARNP updated 12/10/03
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