What types of allergies are detected with allergy testing?

Allergy tests are available to detect all types of allergies. Dr. Daher most often tests for the following allergies:

• Food
• Dust
• Mold
• Mice
• Roaches
• Bee venom
• Medications
• Tree, grass, and weed pollen
• Cats, dogs, and other pets

As a group, these allergies cause a range of respiratory, skin, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

When should I undergo allergy testing?

Allergy testing is the only way to precisely identify your specific allergens. If you’re considering allergy shots, Dr. Daher must first perform allergy testing because the shots are specific to your allergen.

You may also want to consider allergy testing if you experience:

• Severe allergic reaction to an insect sting
• Chronic nasal congestion or sinus infections
• Allergy symptoms lasting several months or longer
• Allergies severe enough to interfere with daily life
• Allergy symptoms that stop responding to over-the-counter medications

Patients with asthma may benefit from testing when allergens trigger their asthma attacks.

What are the different types of allergy tests?

If you have a skin condition, or in rare cases when a skin test is unsafe, Dr. Daher performs a blood test. Most patients, however, undergo one of three types of skin tests:

Skin prick test

When you get a skin prick test, Dr. Daher places a drop of each suspected allergen on your skin, then lightly scratches the skin beneath each allergen. You’ll wait in the office for 15 minutes while the doctor checks to see if you have a skin reaction. If you’re allergic to the substance, you’ll develop a small red welt or rash.

Intradermal skin test

You may need intradermal skin testing if Dr. Daher suspects you’re allergic to a drug or insect venom. It is also run as a backup when a skin prick test is inconclusive. Intradermal testing is done by injecting a tiny amount of allergen under your skin. You’ll have a quick skin reaction if you’re allergic to that substance.

Patch test

Patch tests are used to detect contact allergens or substances that cause a reaction when they touch your skin. In most cases, your patch contains samples of the most common regional allergens, as well as your suspected allergens. 

A small amount of each allergen is placed on a patch that’s attached to the skin on your back. You’ll wear the patch for about two days. Dr. Daher checks for skin reactions to each allergen. Depending on the results, you may need to wear the patch several more days.

To schedule allergy testing, call Allergy Associates Dearborn or book an appointment online.