Allergy Skin Testing:
Allergy skin testing may be used to evaluate if you are allergic and to identify your specific allergic triggers. In order to perform allergy skin testing, you have to stop all anti-histamine drugs prior to testing. We test for common tree, grass, weed, mold and environmental allergens including cats, dogs and dust mite. Skin testing for foods and insect venoms can also be performed when there is a likely history of allergic reactions to these agents. The test is performed by pricking the skin on your back or arm with a tiny amount of each allergen using a small plastic device. The standard test for adults involves about 50 pricks but can be tailored for each patient and for children. After 15-20 minutes, the test is read by looking for small reactions (red bumps) at each prick site. The test is not painful, but positive reactions may cause itching. However, these reactions are transient and will resolve within minutes to hours. At the end of the test, you will be provided with a report of your results. For additional information, please visit www.acaai.org/public/advice/Allergy+Testing.htm
The first step in allergy skin prick testing is marking the skin and cleaning the area with alcohol
Next, the skin is pricked with a small plastic device that has been dipped in allergen
After 15-20 minutes, the skin is examined for a reaction at each prick site
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