What Is a Skin Prick Test?

A skin prick test is the most common form of allergy testing. This test involves placing a small drop of an allergen extract on your skin. A needle is then used to prick the skin underneath the drop; this allows for a small amount of solution to enter just below the surface of the skin. After 15 minutes, any swelling or redness is measured and, depending on the size, is considered a positive reaction. An intradermal skin test is completed next. An intradermal wheal, or bleb, is injected directly under the top layer of skin. After 15 minutes any reactions are measured and classified as either positive or negative.

What Is a Patch Test?

A patch test is more often used to identify allergens that cause skin rashes. Patch tests typically take several days to process and function differently.

What is Immunotherapy?

People who suffer from allergies that don’t respond to medical treatment may find relief from immunotherapy, a method of building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over a period of time. It is usually given as injections (allergy shots), but can also be taken orally. When ingested, it is known as sublingual immunotherapy, or allergy drops.

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy) are the most common form of immunotherapy. They can be used as a long-term treatment for seasonal, indoor and insect sting allergies. They work by getting your body used to the allergen slowly, with the hopes that you will develop an immunity or tolerance to the allergen. The process takes place in two phases, the build-up phase and the maintenance phase. The build-up phase involves a small amount of the allergen being injected into the upper arm once or twice a week for a few months. The dosage is gradually increased at each visit. The length of the build-up phase depends entirely on your body’s reaction. Once you have reached the effective dose, typically the most you can handle without showing symptoms, the maintenance phase will begin. The dosage is no longer increased at each visit and the number of shots is decreased. The maintenance phase involves an allergy shot once every month for three to five years.

Are There Any Risks with Allergy Shots?

Since allergy shots contain a substance you are allergic to, there are some risks involved. Swelling and redness usually develop at the site of injection but are quick to clear up. Sneezing, nasal congestion and hives may develop as well as more severe reactions such as wheezing or chest-tightness. Anaphylaxis, the most serious reaction, rarely occurs.

What Can I Expect from Allergy Shots?

Allergy symptoms will not improve overnight; symptoms will typically improve over the first year of treatment and continue to improve over the next few years. The shots may even decrease symptoms for other allergens and prevent new allergies from developing.

How Are Pulmonary Function Tests?

Pulmonary function tests are used to determine how well your lungs are working. They are typically completed in addition to allergy tests. The three main tests are spirometry, plethysmography and diffusion capacity.

Allergy Testing | St. Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat

The most effective way to treat allergy symptoms is to identify exactly what is causing them. Allergy testing allows us to pinpoint your specific triggers so we can create a personalized treatment plan designed for long-term relief.

Skin Prick Testing

Skin prick testing is the preferred method for diagnosing environmental allergies. It is safe, cost-effective and provides fast, reliable results.

We test for the most common inhalant allergens found in our region, including pollens, dust mites, molds and pet dander. At this time, we do not perform food allergy testing.

What To Expect During Your Appointment

Your allergy testing appointment will take approximately 60 minutes.

During the test:
• Small amounts of allergen extracts are applied to the skin, typically on the arm
• A tiny, superficial prick allows the allergen to enter just below the skin’s surface
• The test is well tolerated and generally not painful

Next Steps

Based on your results, we will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle. This may include sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), a convenient, needle-free option that helps build long-term tolerance to your allergens.

Call St. Cloud Ear, Nose & Throat for more information or to schedule an appointment. (320) 252-0233

For a medical emergency, please call 911.

To request an appointment or connect with us, please complete the form. Our team will contact you during our regular business hours.

For questions outside of billing or hearing aids, please call our office during regular business hours at (320) 252-0233.