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.
Your provider typically does a skin test before any other allergy testing:
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.
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.
Your provider may recommend a blood test if you:
Your provider draws a blood sample and sends it to the lab, where lab technicians test for antibodies to 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.
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.
Dr. Rhonda Barak-Norris is an Allergist and Asthma specialist that treats patients for allergy testing, food allergies, drug allergies, skin testing, asthma and more. We are located in Farmington Hills, Mi. Call us to book your appointment today.