Allergy Skin Testing
Allergy testing is done by placing a very small amount of certain allergens onto your skin by using a small plastic device to prick the skin. The plastic points do not break the skin or draw blood and are relatively painless.
Results are ready within 30 minutes and a positive result will show up as a small hive or itchy bump. Thereafter, we will recommend various environmental controls, food or medication avoidance to help avoid these allergies.
Advantages over allergy blood testing:
- No blood draw
- Results available immediately
- Lower price
- More accurate results, especially with food allergy testing
- Environmental testing is available for tree, grass and weed pollen, mold, dust, dust mites and pets
Allergin Patch Testing
Patch testing aids int the diagnosis of contact dermatitis, which are areas of inflammation of your skin (or dermatitis) when your skin reacts against a specific substance. Patch testing may help to identify the exact cause by testing for chemicals, metals, cosmetics, creams, leather, rubber, and other materials.
The patches are applied on the upper back. Small amounts of up to 80 or substances are applied as under patches to your skin. After three days the patches are removed and the skin is examined for a reaction. After one or two days the skin is examined again for a delayed reaction.
Click here for patch testing materials available for testing
Pulmonary Function Testing
Pulmonary function testing is a test that measures how well your lungs work. This type of test is useful in the diagnosis of asthma, bronchitis and COPD.
Skin Biopsy
A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of skin tissue is removed, processed, and examined under a microscope. A skin biopsy is useful in evaluating rashes, hives and dermatitis.