Seasonal Allergies

If you have a positive reaction, your arm will most likely itch for about 45 minutes.  The skin testing is a safe procedure.  Some allergist will perform a test called an intradermal testing in which he or she will take a syringe with a needle on it and inject the extract underneath your skin, like having a TB test done.  However, the use of intradermal testing for testing for allergies to outdoor and indoor allergens is somewhat controversial and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology does not recommend it.  The skin testing can not be done if you can not stop taking your anti-histamines, if your skin reacts to the saline control, or if you have a lot of rashes on your skin that will make it difficult to read the test.

If the skin test can not be done, a simple blood test can be done.  The results of the blood test usually take about one week.  The blood test measures the level of the allergic antibody, called IgE.  It will measure the specific level of IgE to each item such as grass, cat, dog, etc.  Taking medications will not interfere with the results of the blood testing. 

Please let me know if you have further questions.