What is allergy skin testing?
Allergy skin testing is a procedure that aids in selecting specific allergens for immunotherapy (allergen specific allergy shots, hyposensitization, desensitization). Veterinary skin testing is similar to human allergy skin testing. Under sedation, the hair is clipped on the side of the body, and a series of injections are given within the skin. A panel of pollens, molds, insects, dander, mites and other environmental allergens are compared to negative and positive controls, and the reactions are graded. These reactions are used to formulate an allergy vaccine specific for that individual pet. This test takes about 30 minutes, and the pet is given another injection to counteract the sedative. Allergen specific injections are the best long term management for environmental allergies. Skin testing for food allergies in dogs and cats is not accurate.
Skin testing, also known as “puncture testing” and “prick testing” is a series of tiny punctures or pricks made into the patient’s skin. Small amounts of suspected allergens and\or their extracts (pollen, dust, molds, food, drugs or venom protein) are introduced to sites on the skin marked with pen. A small plastic or metal device is used to puncture or prick the skin. Common areas for testing include the inside forearm and the back. If the patient is allergic to the substance, then a visible inflammatory reaction will usually occur within 15-20 minutes. This response will range from slight reddening of the skin to a full-blown hive in more sensitive patients. The skin prick test is the most preferred means of testing because of its simplicity and accuracy. Interpretation of the results of the skin prick test is normally done by allergists on a scale of severity, with +/- meaning borderline reactivity and 4+ being a large reaction. What is the study of Immunology? Immunology is a broad
Allergy skin testing is a method to find out what you are allergic to. It is generally the best way to discover your allergies. Skin tests are done either by scratch/prick tests or intradermal tests. In scratch/prick tests, gentle pricks are made with disposable plastic prongs through drops of allergen extract on the skin of your back. In intradermal tests, small amounts of allergen extracts are injected into the skin of your upper arm. If you are allergic, a slight swelling, itching and reddening of the skin will occur. Our staff will record the severity of the reaction. The allergic reaction from skin testing will generally subside after a short period of time. The information from the skin testing helps your doctor to determine the cause of your allergies. Antihistamines and other medications with antihistamine-like effects will interfere with skin testing. Please stop taking the following medicines 2-7 days before skin testing: • Antihistamine tablets, capsules, or liquids, with or
