Allergy Skin Testing
(Intradermal and Skin Prick Testing)
Allergy skin testing is a battery of skin prick and intradermal skin tests performed in the office. A sample of a test antigen is pricked into or injected just under the skin to form a wheal. A positive reaction is similar to a mosquito bite, with itching and swelling. The test is used to identify whether an individual is sensitive (allergic) to specific antigens such as pollen, mold, dust mites, animals, etc. The degree of reactivity will determine the treatment recommended which may involve avoidance measures to decrease exposure of known allergens, prescription medication to decrease the body’s responsiveness during exposures, and/or desensitizing immunotherapy over the course of 3 or more years.
Severe reactions are uncommon but skin testing does carry some degree of risk. Experienced staff performs the test under a physician’s supervision. Generalized reactions may occur such as itching, hives, nasal stuffiness, sneezing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Extremely rare cases of shock and death have been reported in the medical literature. Emergency medications are always immediately available in the testing area. Rarely, hospitalization is required if a true anaphylactic reaction were to occur. This would initially result in your being transported to Skyline Medical Center’s Emergency Room since it is the closest. This of course would result in additional medical costs incurred by you and your insurance company according to your policy which you should carefully review before your testing is even scheduled.
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