What to expect

Allergy testing happens right in your doctor’s office, with the team you already know. Here’s how it works, from getting ready to what comes after.

Before your test

• Pause some medicines. Antihistamines and some other medicines can block the test, so they have to be paused days ahead. Your care team will tell you which ones, and when. Ask before stopping any prescription medicine.
• Wear short sleeves. The test is done on your arms.
• Ages 5 and up. Skin testing is for patients 5 and older.

At your test

1. A quick check-in. Your provider reviews your symptoms and health history.
2. A few light pricks on your arms. Small plastic testers press lightly into the top layer of skin. Each one carries a drop of a common allergen, like a pollen, mold, dust mite or animal dander.
3. Results in about 15 minutes. Allergens you react to show up as small raised bumps that are easy to see. The bumps fade on their own, and your care team can put a cream on them to calm any itching.
4. Your plan. Your provider walks you through your results and builds a plan with you.

After your results

Your plan depends on what your test shows and how much your symptoms get in the way. It may include ways to avoid your triggers, medicines for your symptoms, or immunotherapy.

If you start immunotherapy

• Immunotherapy changes how your body responds to the allergens you react to, so your symptoms ease over time.
• It’s made for you from your test results and given as small injections under the skin.
• Treatment typically lasts 3 to 5 years.
• After an injection in the office, you’ll stay for 30 minutes so your care team can watch for a reaction.
• Your provider will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector. It’s a standard safety step. Bring it to your first immunotherapy visit, and to every visit after.

Questions?

Ask your care team. They know your history and can tell you what to expect at your visit.