Allergy Testing

Allergen skin prick testing is a common and reliable method for identifying allergens that may be causing allergic reactions in a person. It is often used to diagnose allergies to substances such as pollen, mold, dust mites, animal dander, and certain foods.

During an allergen skin prick test, a small amount of a suspected allergen is placed on the skin, typically on the forearm or back. A needle or lancet is then used to prick the skin through the allergen, allowing a small amount of the allergen to come into contact with the skin.

If the person is allergic to the allergen, they will develop a raised, red, itchy bump at the site of the skin prick within 15-20 minutes.

Allergen skin prick testing will be performed by a physiologist. The test is quick, simple, and relatively painless, and it can provide valuable information about a person's allergies.

It is important to note that allergen skin prick testing is not recommended for people who have severe allergies or who are taking certain medications, as it can potentially trigger a serious allergic reaction. If you are unsure whether allergen skin prick testing is right for you, talk to your doctor.

If the allergen skin prick test indicates that you have an allergy, your doctor will discuss treatment options with you. These may include avoiding the allergen, taking medications to control allergy symptoms, or undergoing allergy immunotherapy, which involves gradually exposing the body to increasing amounts of the allergen in order to build up tolerance.

Allergen skin prick testing can help identify allergens and guide treatment, improving the quality of life for people with allergies. If you think you may have allergies, talk to your doctor about whether allergen skin prick testing is right for you.