Allergy Treatments & Tests

• Prick Test: Scratches or needle pricks (with a small plastic device) on the patient's skin are performed and drops of a mixture containing the possible allergen are placed on the scratches for the skin to absorb it. If the patient has a positive reaction, the skin will develop a raised, red area that will ultimately cause itching. This test may be done on all ages including infants.
• Patch Test: This test is used to determine skin allergies and for 24 to 72 hours the patient will wear a patch of the allergen solution taped to their skin.
• Intradermal Test: This is a more responsive test where a small quantity of the allergen mixture is injected under the skin (with a small needle) to determine if the patient has a positive reaction to the allergen. This test is typically reserved for older children and adults.

Blood Tests

Most patients will need to visit their allergy office once or twice a week for several months when beginning treatment. These are walk-in visits and will not see the doctor. The patient will receive a shot in their upper arm containing the substance they are allergic to including things like wasp venom, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, mold, food and many more.

 

Over time, these doses will increase until you only need to come for injections every 2 to 4 weeks after the 4 or 5 month build-up phase. After this, your maintenance treatment between your next shots will extend to once a month for 3 to 5 years. Eventually, you can expect your allergy symptoms to get better and some may entirely go away.

 

Appointments are not necessary for allergy injections, although for some shots the physician must be present (venoms). The nurse will discuss the frequency of your injections. The recommended time will vary from patient to patient, as it is based on the strength of one’s allergy extract. Our staff is happy to answer specific questions about allergy shots when you come for your injections. It is important to have access to epinephrine if you are on allergy shots in case of a severe reaction (anaphylaxis).