Types of Allergy Tests

Allergy Skin Prick Testing (OHIP COVERED)

We test for environmental & food allergy.

A skin prick test, also called a puncture or scratch test, checks for immediate allergic reactions to as many as 50 different substances at once. This test is usually done to identify allergies to pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites and foods. In adults, the test is usually done on the forearm. Children may be tested on the upper back.

Allergy skin tests aren’t painful. This type of testing uses needles (lancets) that barely penetrate the skin’s surface. You won’t bleed or feel more than mild, momentary discomfort. After cleaning the test site with alcohol, the nurse draws small marks on your skin and applies a drop of allergen extract next to each mark. A lancet is used to prick the extracts into the skin’s surface. A new lancet is used for each allergen.

To see if your skin is reacting normally, two additional substances are scratched into your skin’s surface:

  • Histamine: In most people, this substance causes a skin response. If you don’t react to histamine, your allergy skin test may not reveal an allergy even if you have one.
  • Glycerin or saline: In most people, these substances don’t cause any reaction. If you do react to glycerin or saline, you may have sensitive skin. Test results will need to be interpreted cautiously to avoid a false allergy diagnosis.

About 15 minutes after the skin pricks, the nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions. If you are allergic to one of the substances tested, you’ll develop a raised, red, itchy bump (wheal) that may look like a mosquito bite. The nurse will then measure the bump’s size and record the results.

Allergy Immunotherapy (Allergy Injections)

Allergen immunotherapy is the repeated administration of allergen extracts to people who have known allergies in order to provide long-term relief of symptoms and improvement in quality of life during subsequent natural allergen exposure.

Allergy shots also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are the most commonly used and most effective form of allergy immunotherapy. This is the only treatment available that actually changes the immune system, making it possible to prevent the development of new allergies and asthma.

Allergy tablets are a form of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) that offer a way to treat certain allergies without shots. Like shots, tablets reduce symptoms by helping the body build resistance to the effects of an allergen. Unlike shots, tablets only treat one type of allergen and do not prevent the development of new allergies and asthma.

Allergy drops are another form of SLIT and work the same way as tablets. Drops are widely accepted and used in many countries around the world.

Asthma Testing

It is often not easy for a doctor to make a diagnosis of asthma, as symptoms often come and go. That’s why you should always talk with a doctor preferably an allergist or pulmonologist – who is familiar with asthma diagnosis and treatment guidelines.To determine whether asthma or some other cause is responsible for your symptoms, your doctor will use your family and symptom history; a physical exam and medical tests.

Spirometry Test

If signs begin to point to asthma, your doctor may use a computerized device called a spirometer to check how well your lungs are working. Spirometry is a type of pulmonary function test. You’ll be asked to take a deep breath in and then breathe out as hard as you can into the machine. The spirometer shows the amount of air you are able to breathe in and out and how fast you did it over a certain time period. If your airways are inflamed and narrowed, or if the muscles around your airways tighten up, the results will show it.

Other medical tests may be used to confirm a diagnosis of asthma.
  • Tests for related conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or obstructive sleep apnea
  • A test for sinus disease
  • Allergy testing (skin prick or blood) to determine if allergens are triggering asthma
  • A chest x-ray or electrocardiogram to check for foreign objects in the airways or signs of separate lung or heart disease

Penicillin Allergy Testing

Immediate allergic reactions to penicillins typically occur quickly (less than an hour) after receiving a dose of the medication, and often occur in patients who have tolerated previous courses of penicillin without issue. Symptoms frequently involve the skin and include:

  • Hives (also known as welts or urticaria, a raised, itchy rash)
  • Swelling commonly around the face and extremities such as hands and feet
  • Allergy testing (skin prick or blood) to determine if allergens are triggering asthma

Treatment of these reactions usually involves an antihistamine and sometimes an oral or injected corticosteroid.

In rare cases, more serious reactions that suggest anaphylaxis can occur, including the following:

  • Swelling of the tongue, throat and lips
  • Respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, coughing, chest tightness, wheezing
  • Light-headedness, loss of consciousness (caused by low blood pressure)

These symptoms require immediate treatment with epinephrine, which can be given with an autoinjector if available, and/or at the nearest emergency room or by calling Emergency Medical Services. Additional treatments may include albuterol to treat respiratory symptoms, IV fluids, and corticosteroids.

Penicillin allergy can be evaluated by an allergist / immunologist, who will obtain a careful history and perform skin testing.

This test involves pricking the skin with two forms of penicillins (each of which mimics the forms of penicillin that are found in the blood when a patient takes the drug) and a subsequent intra-dermal test (placing a small amount of each form of penicillin just under the skin). If these tests are negative, it is very unlikely that a penicillin allergy is present. In many instances after negative testing, a dose of an oral penicillin is also given, followed by an observation period. If there is no reaction, the patient is not at risk of having a serious immediate reaction and penicillins can be used thereafter. It typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to perform all of the testing.

In cases of a positive penicillin test, either the skin prick or intra-dermal test will produce a red, raised bump, signifying the presence of an allergy to the medication.

Penicillins need to be avoided and a different antibiotic will be needed to treat infections. If a penicillin is needed, a desensitization procedure can be performed under the care of an allergist / immunologist to temporarily allow the drug to be used.

Allergy Testing Procedure

Preparing for Your Allergy Test Appointment

Common Allergy Symptoms

Hives + Rashes

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a condition that affects about 20 percent of the population at some time. If you have ever suffered with skin that erupts into red welts, often with severe itching, you know how distressing this type of condition can be. And how much it can affect your life.

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Coughing + Sneezing

Rhinitis, often referred to as hay fever, is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose. It is one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting the North American population, with 10 to 20% of Canadians being affected.

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Constant Itching

The most common of the inflammatory dermatoses, comprising a group of skin disorders that exhibit a common pattern of histological and clinical findings, which vary depending on the stage of the disease. The terms eczema and dermatitis are often used interchangeably.

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Red + Watery Eyes

There are many different reasons for Red Eye and it is important to have an accurate diagnosis of this condition as the treatments will vary accordingly such as Allergic Conjunctivitis.

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How Are Allergies Diagnosed and Tested?

It is important to know which allergens cause you to have symptoms. Your doctor will:

Based upon the findings, the allergist can determine if allergy testing is needed. Allergy testing may include skin prick testing and blood tests. You can then work with your allergist to understand the results and develop a treatment plan.

What Allergy Medications And Treatments Are Available?

Medications used to treat allergies include:

Several treatment options are currently available for allergies including:

Types of Allergies

Food allergies Eight foods account for 90 percent of all reactions in the United States. These eight foods are known as the “top 8” food allergies:

  • cow’s milk
  • hen’s eggs
  • peanuts
  • tree nuts
  • wheat
  • soy
  • fish
  • shellfish

Pollen allergy is an allergy to pollen, tiny particles released by trees, grasses and weeds. Pollen grains float through the air in spring, summer and fall – or year-round in areas with mild winters.

Symptoms of pollen allergies may be:

  • sneezing spells
  • watery or itchy eyes
  • congestion
  • itchy throat

Pollen allergies may occur throughout the year. Tree pollens are common in late winter and early spring, followed by grasses in late spring and summer. There are ways to limit exposure to pollen allergens and minimize symptoms. However, pollen allergies may require medications to control symptoms

Molds are microscopic organisms called fungi, found virtually everywhere, indoors and out. Molds reproduce through spores spread by water, insects or air, so tiny and lightweight they can float through the air like pollen. These spores can be inhaled and cause allergic symptoms.

These symptoms include:

  • Nasal and sinus congestion
  • Sore Throat
  • Sneezing
  • Watery or burning eyes
  • Dry cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Irritation of the nose, throat, or skin

Mold spores are especially dangerous for people with asthma and may trigger asthma attacks, but the exact reason is not known. Testing for mold allergy is done by an allergist and may include both skin prick and blood tests. Mold hides both indoors and outdoors, so limiting exposure is key.

Treatment for mold allergies includes:

  • Nasal corticosteroids
  • Antihistamine
  • Montelukast

Allergic reactions to cats, dogs and other furry animals are caused by proteins found in flecks of the pets’ skin, called dander, as well as in their saliva and urine. You are really not allergic to the fur of your pet. You are allergic to pet dander. Pet allergens can cause reactions when they’re inhaled, get in the eyes, or come in contact with skin. Reactions may happen within minutes but may be delayed for hours. The best way to eliminate a pet allergy is to remove the pet from the home. However, the pet dander can remain in the home for weeks to months.

Dust mites are tiny insects that live in mattresses, pillows, upholstered furniture. They look for moisture along with their favorite food, tiny bits of shed human skin. Allergens from dust mite droppings and dead bodies collect in bedding, furnishings and dust, then irritate airways and eyes on contact.Symptoms of dust mite allergy include:

  • itchy eyes
  • scratchy throats
  • runny nose
  • other allergy symptoms
  • Dust mites are also a potent trigger of asthma

There are changes you can make to your home environment to reduce dust mites. Dust mite allergies can be treated with over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal sprays.

For most people, insect stings are a short-term annoyance. Others allergic to the venom in a stinging insect can cause an allergic reaction. The most common insects to cause an allergic reaction are:

  • Yellow jackets
  • Hornets
  • Paper wasps
  • Bees

Symptoms of an insect venom allergy can range from a mild local reaction to a severe systemic reaction known as anaphylaxis. The danger is that an allergic reaction can happen to anyone, even people with no other allergies and people who have been stung before with no problems. Localized reactions may be managed at home with cold compresses, antihistamines, or itching creams. Severe, life threatening symptoms are:

  • Hives or generalized itching other than at the site of the sting
  • Swelling of the throat or tongue
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness
  • Severe headache
  • Stomach cramps, nausea or diarrhea

If you develop these symptoms, the only treatment is an injection of epinephrine, which should be given first and fast. If you need an injection of epinephrine, you should also follow-up with emergency care. If you have a known insect allergy you should always carry an epinephrine auto injector.

Eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occur when the protective outer covering of the eye and eyelid, called the conjunctiva, becomes swollen and inflamed due to allergens or irritants.

Common symptoms include:

  • red, irritated, teary and itchy eyes
  • burning
  • eyelid swelling
  • blurred vision
  • sensitivity to light

Environmental triggers and irritants cause eye allergies. Environmental triggers include:

  • Pollen
  • Mold
  • Dust mites
  • Pet dander

Irritants include:

  • Cigarette smoke
  • Cosmetics
  • Perfume
  • Contact lenses
  • Contact lenses solution

The most effective treatment for eye allergies is avoiding environmental triggers and irritants.

Drug allergies may cause hives, cause light-headedness, nausea, difficulty breathing or stomach cramps, or make your throat or mouth swelling. Symptoms can begin within moments of ingesting a medication or up to several hours later. Medications that most often cause a reaction include:

  • Antibiotics
  • Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
  • Drugs used in anesthesia
  • Insulin (rarely)
  • Chemotherapy drugs

If you develop flushing or hives within a few hours of taking a medication, call a board-certified allergist. If symptoms are severe and involve multiple body organs – a skin rash, respiratory problems and/or digestive issues – it could be anaphylaxis. Call 911 and go to the emergency department immediately. Not all reactions are a drug allergy, so it is important to get tested.

Latex allergy is an allergic reaction to the proteins present in the milky sap of the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree. Latex allergy generally develops after repeated exposure to medical and consumer products containing natural rubber latex. Allergy to latex poses a serious health risk to:

  • healthcare workers
  • spina bifida patients
  • workers with occupational exposure
  • patients with multiple surgeries
  • the general population

Symptoms of latex allergy may be mild at first, progressing to more serious types of symptoms. Symptoms of latex allergy include:

  • skin redness
  • urticaria (hives)
  • itching
  • nasal drainage
  • sneezing
  • itchy eyes
  • throat irritation
  • asthma

A latex allergy reaction can also result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Is Allergy Testing Covered by OHIP?

Allergy testing is primarily conducted through skin prick testing, with blood tests used in certain cases when needed. The great news is that there’s no extra charge for skin prick testing, as it’s fully covered under OHIP, ensuring you receive the care you need without any added costs. To book your allergy testing appointment, please contact us or visit one of our locations for a consultation with our healthcare provider and to obtain a referral to see our Allergist.

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