Download Allergy Skin Test Information and Instructions

Dr. D. Siri, FAAAAI, FACAAI
Dr. R. Govindaiah
Dr. E. Pratt
Allergy Skin Test Information and Instructions
What is skin testing?
Skin testing is a rapid way to detect if you are
allergic to an inhalant or food. It is more sensitive
and economical than allergy blood tests.
Specifically, it tests for the presence of allergic
antibodies, called IgE, in the skin.
What are some of the indications for skin
testing?
o Allergic asthma
o Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
o Eczema or atopic dermatitis
o Itching/Hives
o Sinus Trouble
o Anaphylaxis
o Food allergy
o Stinging insect allergy
o Antibiotic or medication allergy
How is it performed? No Scratches!
Disposable one-time use plastic devices will be
used to introduce small amounts of potential
allergens into your skin (PRICK TEST) to detect if
you might be allergic to that particular allergen. We
may perform the skin test on the backs and arms.
A similar plastic testing device with multiple prongs
may be used on small children to make the testing
faster and more comfortable.
Prick testing may be followed by SELECTED
INTRADERMAL TESTING, which involves injection
of potential allergens into the skin with very small
syringes. This testing is more sensitive than the
Prick Test. Allergy to a particular allergen usually
cannot be excluded unless intra-dermal testing is
performed.
How long will the skin testing take?
Skin testing and the follow-up visit with the doctor
will be approximately 1-2 hours.
What allergens might be tested?
o Common inhaled indoor allergens:
Dust mites, Cockroach, Animal
Proteins (usually Cat, Dog, Mouse, Rat,
Horse, other less common animals are
available as well), Feather
o Common inhaled outdoor allergens:
Trees, Weeds, Fungi, Molds
o Common Foods
If you suspect that a particular allergen (for
example, a specific animal or food) is
provoking your symptoms, please inform the
assistant/doctor.
If indicated, you may be scheduled to return for
further testing for specific allergens (for example,
extended inhalants, antibiotics, anesthetics, insect
venoms, food challenges, etc.)
What are the risks?
You may experience anxiety, skin irritation with
local itching and swelling, and minor bleeding.
Local irritation of the skin usually subsides after 1-2
hours. Excessive itching may be treated with oral
anti-histamines or a topical spray or cream.
Occasionally, a delayed local reaction may occur at
the site of skin testing. This usually occurs several
hours after testing and may last for days to a week.
These reactions are usually not serious and will
disappear radually over the next week. Excessive
warmth or lack of improvement may indicate a mild
skin infection. The reaction should be measured
and reported to your doctor.
On rare occasions, very sensitive (allergic) persons
may experience a severe systemic reaction called
anaphylaxis. Symptoms may include increased
itching of eyes, nose, face, or body, increased
sneezing or runny nose, congestion, throat or chest
tightness, wheezing, lightheadedness, nausea and
vomiting, hives, profound anxiety, and shock.
Anaphylaxis may be life threatening if not treated
promptly.
Our physicians and staff are fully trained in the
treatment of mild to severe reactions including,
anaphylaxis, and we take the utmost care in
ensuring your safety. For this reason, if you are
having a worsening of your asthma, fever, or an
active infection, we may defer your skin testing
procedure to a later date. Please call if you think
you may need to reschedule.
9345-04/10 (1/3)
How will I know if I am allergic to something
tested?
The skin will swell up and itch, like a hive. Positive
and negative controls are used in the skin testing
panel in which to compare the tested allergens. We
note the size and grade of your reactions to
determine what allergies might exist. Based on
your history, symptoms, exam, and skin test results,
Dr. Siri, Dr. Pratt or Dr. Govindaiah, who are
specialty trained in allergy and immunology, will
assist you in determining what you might be allergic
to and offer treatment options.
What should I do to prepare for the skin test?
Antihistamine and other medicines may block the
histamine response, making skin test results
inaccurate.
Please STOP these medicines THREE DAYS
PRIOR to your skin test day.
o RANITIDINE (ZANTAC)
o CIMETIDINE (TAGAMET)
o PHENERGAN
o PROMETHIZINE
o SINGULAIR
o ALL BETA BLOCKERS
o LICORICE
o GREEN TEA
o SAW PALMETTO
o ST. JOHNS WORT
o FEVERFEW
Please STOP these medicines SEVEN to TEN
DAYS PRIOR to your skin test day.
o ALAVERT
o ALLERX, ALLERX-D
o ALLEGRA
o ASTELIN nasal spray
o BENADRYL
o CLARITIN/CLARINEX
o DIPHENHYDRAMINE
o FEXOFENADINE
o HISTUSSIN HC
o LORATIDINE
o PHENERGAN
o ZYRTEC
o
o All over-the-counter medicines for cough,
cold, and allergy. These drugs often
contain antihistamines, such as: ACTIFED,
ALLEREST, BROPHENIRAMINE,
CLORPHENIRAMINE, CHLORTRIMETON,
CONTAC, DIMETAPP, DRISTAN,
DRIXORAL, DURAHIST, D’ALLERGY,
ROBITUSSIN, RYNATAN, NYTOL,
NYQUIL, TYLENOL PM, TAVIST,
TRIAMINIC, TYLENOL SINUS, EQUATE
allergy, WAL-ITIN, etc.
Please STOP these medicines FOURTEEN DAYS
PRIOR to your skin test day. Please consult with
YOUR PRESCRIBING DOCTOR FOR APPROVAL
o ANTIVERT (meclizine)
o ATARAX (hydroxyzine)
o ELAVIL (amitriptyline HCI)
o REMERON (mitrazapine)
o SINEQUAN (doxepin)
o TORFRANIL (imipramine)
Let the staff know if you have taken any antihistamines prior to your skin test. It may still be
possible to skin test your even if you have taken
medicine recently.
Please inform the nurse if you:
 Are or think you might be PREGNANT.
 Are taking a medication or an eye drop
that is in the BETA-BLOCKER class.
These medicines are usually used to
treat high blood pressure or glaucoma.
(Examples, carvedilol, propanolol,
atenolol, timolol eye drops, etc.)
 Are taking an MAO INHIBITOR.
Please DO CONTINUE taking inhaler medicines for
asthma, oral steroids, steroid nasal sprays and
other medicines that are not anti-histamines.
Decongestants, such as SUDAFED or
PHENYLEPHRINE, are fine to take for temporary
relief while you are off anti-histamines. If you have
asthma, a breathing test or peak flow measurement
may be taken before proceeding with the test.
Your arms and back should be clean and free of
lotions or cosmetics. Please do not wear
perfumes or fragrances on the day of testing.
After the skin test.
You may resume antihistamine medicines
immediately. You may take Benadryl or another
antihistamine to relieve discomfort if needed.
Topical steroids may also be used to relieve
discomfort. Please wash and cleanse your skin as
usual. Please abstain from any vigorous activity for
several hours after testing.
9345-03/10 (2/3)
Patient Label
Dr. D. Siri, FAAAAI, FACAAI
Dr. R. Govindaiah
Dr. E. Pratt
Please detach this form to give to the Allergy Office.
CONSENT FOR SKIN TESTING
I have read the information sheet on allergy testing and understand it.
I have been provided the opportunity to ask questions regarding the testing, indications, risks and these
questions have been answered to my satisfaction.
I understand that every precaution consistent with best medical practice will be carried out to protect me
against such reactions.
I consent to the skin testing procedure.
_________________________________________________ _______________________
Patient (or PARENT if patient is a minor)
Date
_________________________________________________ ________________________
Witness
Date
9345-03/10 (3/3)