TESTING
Certain medications may interfere with the accuracy of testing. Please click HERE for a list of medications that need to be stopped prior to your appointment. In order to ensure the accuracy of testing, please stop antihistamine medications three days prior to your appointment. If you have any questions about a medication you are taking, please call our office.
SKIN TEST
Testing is performed by gently pricking the skin with a small device on the forearms (for older children and adults) or back (for younger children). A small drop of allergen is applied just under the outer layer of the skin. This is not a shot and does not cause bleeding.
Patient commonly inquire about alternatives to skin testing, including RAST test (a blood test). We do not perform this test in our office, as it is more expensive and not as sensitive as skin testing.
SPIROMETRY
Spirometry is a good screening test used to gather information regarding lung function in patients when asthma and/or COPD is suspected. If you are scheduled to have this testing doe for diagnosing lung disease, please do not use your rescue inhaler, nebulizer medication, Symbicort, or Advair the. morning of the test. If the testing is being performed as part of a routine follow-up visit, it is okay to use your medications as previously directed.
INTRADERMAL TEST
This is similar to skin testing; however, the allergen is injected under the second layer of skin. This test is mainly used to test for specific allergies when skin testing fails to reveal a highly suspected allergy. This is not routinely performed.
METHACHOLINE CHALLENGE
Methacholine is an inhaled substance through a nebulizer that causes a patient’s airways to constrict, mimicking an asthma attack. This test is not routinely performed, but is an excellent way to rule out asthma if there is still a question about the diagnosis after more routine testing has been completed.
PATCH TEST
Patch testing involves applying patches that contain small amounts of various substances known to cause contact dermatitis. These patches are typically worn for two days at which time they are removed. A follow-up skin exam is usually performed two days following patch removal. Patches are generally applied on Monday, removed on Wednesday, and follow-up skin testing is performed on Friday. This is not routinely performed.