Allergy Testing
at Allergy & ENT Associates of Middle TN
The only way to treat your allergy symptoms is to determine exactly what is causing them. This is done through a series of allergy tests designed to identify the specific allergens responsible for your symptoms.
At Allergy & ENT Associates, we offer the most common and effective allergy testing methods to help guide treatment.
Why Allergy Testing Matters
Allergy symptoms can be caused by many different triggers, and the best treatment plan depends on identifying what your immune system is reacting to. Testing helps confirm allergens so your provider can recommend the most effective prevention strategies, medications, or immunotherapy options.
What Is a Skin Prick Test?
A skin prick test is the most common form of allergy testing. This test involves placing a small drop of an allergen extract on your skin. A needle is then used to prick the skin underneath the drop. This allows a small amount of the solution to enter just below the surface of the skin. At Allergy & ENT Associates, our skin prick will test for the following environmental antigens: dust mites, tree pollen, common pets, molds, grasses, and weeds.
After 15 minutes, any swelling or redness is measured and, depending on the size, is considered a positive reaction.
What Is an Intradermal Skin Test?
An
intradermal skin test is often completed next. An intradermal wheal, or bleb, is injected directly under the top layer of skin. After 15 minutes, any reactions are measured and classified as either positive or negative.
How Does a Blood Test Work?
A blood test measures how much of an allergen-specific antibody, called immunoglobulin E (IgE), is in your blood. The more allergen-specific IgE in your blood, the more likely you are to be allergic.
Blood tests are typically used to confirm the results of a skin test. They may also be used instead of skin tests if a serious allergy makes skin testing unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of allergy test?
The skin prick test is the most common form of allergy testing and is widely used to identify allergy triggers.
How long does allergy testing take?
Most skin testing reactions are measured after about 15 minutes. Your total appointment time may vary depending on the number of allergens tested.
When is a blood test used instead of skin testing?
Blood tests may be used to confirm skin test results or when skin testing is not safe due to a serious allergy or other medical factors.
Call Allergy & ENT Associates at
(615) 889-8802
to learn more or schedule an appointment.