Pollen Count | Making Appointments | Mission Statement | Insurance
We will need your name, contact phone number for daytime, the referring doctor, if there is one, your insurance company information and referral if required.
Before the Appointment
Certain medications can interfere with allergy skin test. You should stop antihistamines (such as Allergra, Benedryl, Claritin, Clarinex, Zyrtec, Polarmine, Periactin, Phenergan and there are many others) before your appointment. Our receptionist will go over with you your medications. Many cough and cold remedies contain antihistamines and these should also be stopped. Some medications must be stopped for three (3) weeks (i.e. Astelin Soltata).
Of course, if your medical condition is very severe then you might not be able to stop these tables, please discuss this topic with our staff.
Any drops or sprays can be continued. In particular, DO NOT STOP any asthma medications or Cortisone medication or treatment for other conditions, such as diabetes or blood pressure.
Skin tests are done on the arms or back. Please do not use any moisturizers on your skin, on those areas on the day of the appointment.
What to Bring
Please bring your referral letter, if you need one, and any X-rays. If possible download our forms and fill out before you come. It always helps to write down a list of medications, including doses, that you are taking. If you are taking sprays for asthma, please write down the strength of the spray, such as Pulmacort 200 or Pulmacort 400.
If you use a peak flow meter for asthma, then please bring it and the record/diary with you.
If you have tried different medications for your allergies, write down the names and note whether these medications helped you or not.
Allergy Testing
Skin Testing is the primary way to identify your allergies. If possible, this will be done on the first visit. There are two types of tests which are performed:
PRICK TEST – a skin prick inoculation through a drop of allergen on the patient’s back.
INTRADERMAL TEST – an injection of a small amount of allergen into the skin on the arm.
The number of tests may vary, but usually 40 to 90 prick tests are done and 10 to 40 intradermal tests. These tests may be uncomfortable, but they are not painful. The results of the tests are interpreted 20 minutes after they are applied. Please do not apply any moisturizers to your skin before testing.
