What to Expect with Allergy Testing

Identifying and treating your allergies starts with testing. Your ENT doctor will read the test results to learn exactly what you’re allergic to. If you decide on immunotherapy treatment, this test also tells us what to put into your allergy shots or drops.

What is Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing is a medical procedure that ENT doctors use to identify substances that trigger allergic reactions. These substances are called allergens. There are a lot of different types of allergens that most of us don’t know about. For instance, there are 17 known types of Ragweed throughout the US, with some being much more common than others in Kentucky. If you live in Kentucky and have a ragweed allergy, it’s probably common ragweed or giant ragweed (also called horseweed).

Testing helps your doctor determine which allergens are causing symptoms so they can recommend effective treatments.

What Are the Different Types of Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing can be done in several ways:

• Skin Prick Test
• Patch Test
• Intradermal Test
• Blood Test
• Oral Challenge Test

Below, you will find an explanation of each allergy testing procedure and how we test for allergies at Advanced ENT & Allergy.

Skin Prick Testing

The most common allergy test is the skin prick test. We’ll start by exposing your skin to liquid droplets that contain a common allergy trigger (the suspected allergen). In order to be certain, we need to lightly puncture the skin with a small needle to see if your skin reacts to that specific allergen. This creates a "grid" on your skin, where each prick represents a different allergen being tested. Most people describe it like having the tip of a paper clip pressed lightly into your skin.

What to Expect with Skin Prick Testing

A skin prick test is like it sounds. Your ENT doctor will prick the top layer of skin on your arm or your back. and the results are usually visible within 15 to 20 minutes. We can test up to 80 different allergies in total, and we can test up to eight allergens at a time. This is called a “multitest”, which helps you find relief in as few testing periods as possible. The amount we test for depends on the symptoms you are having as well as your age.

Does the Allergy Skin Prick Test Hurt​?

Skin prick testing is quick and easy. The test area on your skin may look red afterward or show bumps – that’s what we need to see to verify an allergy – but it does NOT hurt, and you shouldn’t bleed.

Skin Prick Test for Children

With children, we may not do as many pricks at once, primarily for two reasons. First, it takes exposure to become allergic to certain things like pollen. A younger child is less likely to have as many allergies. Second, their back and arms are small so there’s only so much room for us to administer the pricks.

Patch Testing

Patch testing checks for allergies to chemicals and products applied to the skin, like fragrances, cosmetics, and detergents. Small patches containing different substances are placed on your back and left for 48 hours. The patches are typically arranged in a grid pattern across your upper or middle back.The test will usually cause a reaction like a rash. It looks similar to contact dermatitis or a poison ivy reaction.

How Long is Patch Testing?

It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and place the patches at the clinic. After that, you’ll be able to go home. You will need to return to the office after two days. Our offices often schedule this test on a Monday or Tuesday so you can come back in for us to assess the results toward the end of the week.

What to Expect with Patch Testing

While at home, you should avoid sweating, showering, or disturbing the patches. Certain medications, like steroids, must be paused before testing as they can affect results. The only medication you can be on during that time is your prescribed allergy medicine. Some medications may affect the results.

When done successfully, a patch test should provide you clear answers on the triggers that may be causing dermatitis or other skin reactions so you can avoid them.

Intradermal Testing

Intradermal testing is an option used when your doctor wants to check for additional allergies that may not have appeared in a skin prick test. During intradermal testing, the allergen is injected into the first layer of the skin (the dermis) using a small needle. This is different from skin prick testing, which only involves “pricking” or “scratching” the skin.

Because intradermal testing introduces the allergen directly into the skin, it is more sensitive than a standard skin prick test and can detect reactions that might otherwise be missed.

Blood Testing

Blood testing measures the presence of allergy-related antibodies, called IgE, in your bloodstream. It’s useful for patients who cannot undergo skin testing due to skin conditions, medications, or other health concerns. Blood tests can help identify allergies to foods, environmental triggers, or insect venom, providing valuable information to guide your treatment plan. Results typically take a few days to a week.

Oral Challenge Test

An oral challenge test is used to confirm a suspected food allergy. Under close medical supervision, the patient is gradually given increasing amounts of the food allergen to observe any reactions. This test is considered the most accurate way to diagnose food allergies and is performed in a controlled setting to ensure safety. Oral challenge tests help doctors determine whether a patient can safely eat certain foods or needs to avoid them.

Signs you Should Schedule Allergy Testing in Kentuckiana

If you live in the Kentuckiana area, seasonal allergies and environmental triggers can have a big impact on your daily life. You should consider allergy testing if you experience:

• Persistent sneezing, congestion, or runny nose during allergy season
• Frequent sinus infections or chronic sinus pressure
• Itchy, watery eyes or skin rashes that flare regularly
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or asthma symptoms triggered by environmental factors
• Reactions to certain foods, insect stings, or household products

Allergy testing can help pinpoint the exact triggers affecting you and guide effective treatment. Don’t let allergies control your life—schedule a consultation with our experts today and start breathing easier in Kentuckiana!

Schedule an Appointment