Allergy Testing Protocol

 

Testing may take 1 to 2 hours

 

NOTE:  Children under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Younger children will require the assistance of a parent or legal guardian during the entire testing procedure: please – do not bring other siblings at the time of testing the patient. 

 

Instructions-

 

1. Wear a sleeveless, or loose-fitting shirt.  Testing is done on the upper arms (elbow to shoulder area). Numerous dilutions of various antigens will be placed under the skin surface to determine your allergies. 

 

2. Eat something light:  No restrictions on food or fluids before testing. 

 

3. Complete the allergy questionnaire and give it to staff at the time of testing.

 

4. If you have a history of asthma or reactive airway disease, notify staff. This may prevent skin testing. 

 

Discontinue

 

1. ANTIDEPRESSANTS – (Tricyclic) – discontinue 7 days before testing.  

 

2. ANTIHISTAMINES – discontinue 7 days before testing. 

      Allegra, Claritin, Zyrtec, Xyzal, Benadryl, Dristan, Tavist, Tylenol Sinus, Etc.

 

           Exceptions: Robitussin PE, Sudafed

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3. BETA BLOCKERS – (Adrenergic) – discontinue 7 days before testing.

              

4. CORTISONE - “Cortisone Therapy” – oral/injection – discontinue 4-8 weeks depending on the type taken. (Aristocort, Celestone, Cortef, Decadron, Deltasone, Depo-Medrol, Hydrocortone, Kenacort, Kenalog, Medrol, Prednisone, Solu-Medrol).

 

5. CREAMS  with cortisone – to upper arms – discontinue 2-3 weeks before testing. (CortaidCream, Hydrocortisone Cream, etc.)

 

6. INJECTION (allergy) - discontinue 7 days before testing.

 

Continue

 

1. NASAL SPRAYS OR INHALERS* - (with/without steroid).

 *Note: bring these with you – May need them during testing!

 

2. OPHTHALMIC (EYE) DROPS – (with/without Beta-Blocker).

 

3. Routine daily medications – except as listed above.

 

CANCELLATION OF TESTING: please give 7 days' notice to this office