Allergy Testing in Surprise, AZ

Skin Prick Testing

Skin pricking the arm offers a rapid method to determine your response to common allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. This test can be adjusted based on age or comfort level if needed and is painless. Modern skin prick tests resemble fingernail scratches that don’t break the skin or cause bleeding. They are both safe and accurate.

• To start, the arm is cleansed with alcohol to eliminate any foreign substances. Then, small marks are made around the target areas for pricking.
• Next, the skin is pricked and a solution containing a small amount of the allergen is introduced. Finally, two control pricks are carried out for comparison purposes. One contains saline and the other contains histamine (which should produce a mild allergic reaction).

The reaction’s degree is measured based on how your skin reacts to each allergen. For example, if you are allergic to one of the pricks, you might see a slight bump known as a “wheal.” The wheal may also have surrounding redness called a “flare.” By comparing these reactions with saline and histamine reactions, we examine which allergens your body is reacting to and their severity. As a result, we can learn about your allergies and put together plans specific for every individual.

Blood Testing

The most suitable type of allergy testing for you is the one that aligns with your medical history, health conditions, and allergy concerns. While skin testing is more commonly used, there are situations where blood testing becomes necessary. We will collaborate with your medical team and review your medical history to ensure that your allergy test is both safe and accurate. The following circumstances may require the use of blood testing:

1. If your medication has a direct impact on the skin – certain medications, you are currently taking could potentially yield inaccurate results if their effects are concentrated during the time of the test. In some cases, your doctor may temporarily suspend your medication to conduct the test. Our clinical team can utilize data from blood samples or lab values from urine samples obtained prior to exposure to specific substances.
2. If you have conditions such as psoriasis or eczema that make it challenging to obtain precise results from a skin test.
3. If you experience atypical allergic reactions, an alternative option would be to conduct blood tests instead of relying solely on traditional methods like open-air tests.

Intradermal Skin Testing

During a regular skin test, specific allergens will not react on the skin’s surface. Instead, these substances need to be introduced just below the skin’s surface to get a response from the body. This is where the intradermal skin test comes into play. During an intradermal skin test, a small needle will inject a trace amount of the specific allergen resulting in a short period of mild discomfort. Some allergens that may require an intradermal skin test include penicillin and other medication allergies, as well as insect venoms, such as those from wasps, hornets, and bees. Like a regular skin test, this test is perfectly safe and is done with close monitoring to ensure safety and maximize comfort.