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Effective and In-Depth Allergy Testing

We’d like to take a moment to explain how we test for allergies so that you feel prepared for your visit.

man smiling with doctor with bandage on finger

Two Types of Skin Test are Performed

  1. Prick tests (Percutaneous) on the back or forearms
  2. Intradermal (Intracutaneous) on the arm

The number of tests may vary depending on the individual. Both types of tests may be mildly uncomfortable. There is a small chance of developing an allergic reaction from the testing, although this occurs very rarely. If your child is to be tested, we will be happy to demonstrate each type of test on you, if you so desire. The tests are read 15-20 minutes after the application. Patients should stop taking antihistamine medication before the skin test to ensure the results come out accurate.

Skin Tests

These are performed in one or two visits of two to three hours each. Skin tests must be correlated with the allergy history in order to be significant. For example, if you have nasal symptoms during the month of June (when grasses pollinate) but you have only a positive skin test to ragweed (which pollinates from mid-August to September), it is unlikely that your symptoms and your skin test are related.

Milwaukee’s Local Source for Allergy & Asthma Treatment