Allergy Testing
How do we diagnose allergy?
At your consultation, a detailed allergy focused history and examination will be undertaken by Dr Michael.
A decision about allergy testing will be made after considering the information provided during the consultation, and your specific concerns.
Allergy testing and a discussion of the results, treatment options and any future monitoring can be done on the same day as your appointment with Dr Michael. A clear plan, a typed summary of the discussion and a copy of any results are provided for you to take home. A detailed medical report will be forwarded to your family doctor.
Our team is happy to address any follow up questions by email or phone.
Allergy testing
The most common allergy test we do is called skin prick testing (SPT).
- SPT is very safe and involves using allergy extracts on the tip of a small testing device which gently pricks the outer layer of the skin.
- The test is done on the upper part of your child’s back, or sometimes on the inner forearm. The number of allergy extracts tested will vary from patient to patient, depending on your child’s symptoms. Some children may have only 3 or 4 tests, while other children may have more tests.
- The testing feels like a tiny scratch and is not painful. The testing area may become itchy for a short time. Positive test results look a bit like a mosquito bite.
- The test can be done with your child sitting on your lap, on a chair or your child can lay on the bed in our testing room.
- The test only takes 1–2 minutes to do. After that, we’ll wait for 15 minutes to see if your body has any reactions to the allergens.
- The size of the reaction (also known as a wheal) is measured and recorded, and Dr Michael will then discuss the results with you.
- Parents and carers will be present with their child during the testing.
The Royal Children’s Hospital has a video about the SPT, available on YouTube through the following link: https://youtu.be/OPN5d8RMRrk
Preparing for Skin Prick Testing:
Antihistamines can change the results of the skin prick test, so please don’t give your child any antihistamines for 5 days before the appointment. If this isn’t possible, contact the clinic to talk about other testing options.
Examples of common antihistamines include:
- Zyrtec (Cetirizine)
- Telfast (Fexofenadine)
- Claratyne (Loratadine)
- Phenergan (Promethazine)
- Vallergan (Trimeperazine)
- Some cough mixtures also contain antihistamines
Please contact our clinic or your pharmacist if you are unsure.
Nasal sprays, asthma puffers and steroid medicines(tablets/liquids or creams/ointments) do not affect skin testing results and your child can continue these medications prior to your appointment.
What to bring to your Skin Prick Test:
The clinic has testing extracts for most common allergens, including cow’s milk, egg, soy, sesame and nuts, and a range of common environmental allergens including grasses.
If testing is required for fresh fruit, vegetables or seafood, please bring small samples in clearly labelled separate containers, It is important not to mix food samples, or place them in the same container.
If you are unsure, about what to bring to your appointment please contact our clinic for advice.
