How Do Allergy Tests Work?

The Silverstein Institute specializes in advanced diagnosis and treatment for allergy sufferers. As one of the world's leading research centers in diagnosing, treating, and curing ENT disorders, including Meniere's Disease. Medical specialists will test for 45 food and 30 inhalant allergens. These allergens have been identified and preselected as the most exposed allergens by ENT experts in Florida.

How do allergy tests work?
For allergy tests to be successful, they must react with a patient's skin. Depending on the type of allergy tests required, the processes can vary. Below is the most common otolaryngic allergy test:

Prick Test
Allergy tests on the skin are performed by:

Cleaning the upper back with alcohol
Labeling the test areas on the skin with ink (for identification)
Applying allergens simultaneously
Irritating the surface of the skin on the forearm to allow the allergens to react

If an allergy exists, a patient will experience redness and/or swelling of various size. Since the severity of the swelling can vary, this will be the determining factor as to the severity of the allergy. This portion of the test is only expected to last approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

Intradermal Testing
If there are is no reaction during the Prick Test, but still suspicion of an allergy, further testing will be required. In this case Intradermal Testing will be performed. This will involve:

An examination of the skin testing area from the previous Prick test
Cleaning the skin of one upper arm
Injecting a small amount of the positive allergen underneath the skin

Generally, intradermal allergy tests are done immediately following a Prick Test.

Once again, if an allergy exists, a patient will experience redness and/or swelling of various size. This will provide the information for the clinicians to determine a starting point for allergy treatment.

If you would like to schedule an allergy test, contact us at Silverstein Institute today.