Allergy Testing Specialist
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Premier Allergy Asthma & Immunology, PLLC
Kiranjit K. Khalsa, MD, MPH
Allergy & Immunology Practice serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, AZ, and the surrounding areas
When you've had it with itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms, it's time to consider allergy testing. At Premier Allergy Asthma & Immunology, PLLC, Kiranjit Khalsa, MD, MPH, specializes in several types of allergy testing that safely and accurately determine your allergens and guide your customized allergy treatment. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Scottsdale, Arizona, or book an appointment online today.
Allergy Testing Q&A
When would I need allergy testing?
You should consider allergy testing any time you or your child have ongoing or severe allergy symptoms, such as:
- Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
- Nasal congestion
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Hives
- Skin rashes
- Sinus pain
- Severe reaction to insect stings
- Abdominal pain or diarrhea after eating (food allergies)
After Dr. Khalsa reviews your medical history and symptoms, she performs allergy testing to identify the specific substances (allergens) responsible for your allergic reaction. Knowing your allergens is the only way to create the best treatment for you.
What type of allergy testing might I have?
When you need allergy testing, Dr. Khalsa begins with a skin test:
Skin prick test
Dr. Khalsa places a small drop of the suspected allergens on your skin, usually on your forearm, and gently pricks the skin. Then you wait in the office to see if you have a reaction. If you're allergic to any of the allergens, a small, itchy bump appears within 15 minutes.
A skin prick test identifies most types of allergies, including medication allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies such as pollen, mold, dust mites, animals, and stinging insects.
Intradermal testing
This is similar to a skin prick test, except Dr. Khalsa injects the allergen under the surface of your skin. She often does intradermal testing to verify the results of a negative skin prick test.
When would I need a patch test?
Patch testing identifies contact allergens such as poison ivy, nickel, detergents, and rubber. Your patch may contain the most common local allergens, or Dr. Khalsa can customize your patch using products you bring from home that you suspect of causing your allergies.
Dr. Khalsa places the allergens in defined spaces on a self-adhesive patch. Then she places the patch on your back, putting the allergens in contact with your skin.
You wear the patch for 48 hours and then return to the office. Dr. Khalsa removes the patch and checks for any skin reactions. You also go back to the office about a week later because it can take time for contact allergens to cause a skin reaction.
Does allergy testing include a blood test?
A blood test accurately identifies the substances responsible for your allergies. However, it's not routinely used for allergy testing. Dr. Khalsa typically does a blood test when patients have a skin condition that prevents a skin test.
To schedule an allergy evaluation, call Premier Allergy Asthma & Immunology, PLLC, or book an appointment online today.
