Allergy Testing for Metro Detroit, Farmington Hills, MI | Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan | Pediatric and Adult Allergists & Allergy and Immunology

Allergy Testing services offered in Metro Detroit, Farmington Hills, MI

When you can’t get relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a runny or congested nose, it’s time to consider allergy testing. At Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan, Chad W. Mayer, DO, FAAAAI, FAAP, and Ronda Barak-Norris, MD, FACAAI, specialize in several tests to identify your allergens and ease your symptoms with individualized allergy treatment. To learn more about allergy testing or schedule an appointment, call the office in Farmington Hills, Michigan, or use online booking today.

Does allergy testing include skin procedures?

Your provider typically does a skin test before any other allergy testing:

Skin prick test

Your provider uses a small disposable plastic device dipped in the allergen to gently prick the skin's surface. A wait period of 15 minutes is observed and then the testing area is examined for skin reactions. If a raised, red bump appears, you have an allergy to that substance.

Intradermal skin test

This is similar to a skin prick test, except your provider injects the allergen under your skin. You may need an intradermal skin test for specific allergens or to verify the results of a negative skin prick test.

Does allergy testing involve drawing blood?

Your provider may recommend a blood test if you:

Can’t stop taking medications that would affect the skin test results
Get hives from a scratch or skin pressure
Have a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis
Have a high chance of anaphylaxis

Your provider draws a blood sample and sends it to the lab, where lab technicians test for antibodies to allergens.

What type of allergy testing reveals contact allergens?

A skin patch test identifies substances that cause an allergic reaction after they come into contact with your skin. Your provider places the possible allergens on a self-adhesive patch, then secures the patch on your back.

After wearing the patch for 48 hours, you return to the office for the removal of the patches and check for skin reactions. Patch testing takes longer because the process occurring in your skin to cause an allergic reaction is a delayed reaction.

When do I need a challenge allergy test?

A challenge test shows if you or your child can tolerate a specific food or medication. You receive gradually increasing doses, waiting between each to see if you react. You receive a particular number of doses over several hours. If you have a reaction, the test stops, and the allergy in question is confirmed.

To schedule allergy testing, call Allergy & Asthma Institute of Southeast Michigan or request an appointment online today.