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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:
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:
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.