Allergy Testing
Why Patients Should Be Allergy Tested (Food + Environmental)
1. Identify the Root Cause of Chronic Symptoms
- Many patients live with chronic issues – runny nose, sinus pressure, headaches, eczema, fatigue, GI problems without realizing allergies are the source.
- Testing provides clarity and identifies exact triggers, allowing for targeted treatment instead of masking symptoms.
2. Allergies Create Inflammation Throughout the Body
- When a patient is allergic to something food, pollen, dust, mold, pets their immune system stays in a constant state of inflammation.
- Chronic inflammation contributes to:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Digestive issues
- Eczema & skin conditions
- Recurring sinus infections
- Asthma symptoms
- Testing helps eliminate the source of inflammation, improving overall wellness and long-term health.
3. Food Allergies Often Go Undiagnosed
- Many patients don’t connect symptoms like bloating, reflux, migraines, joint pain, rashes, or IBS to food allergens.
- Testing 63 food allergens gives a clear roadmap on what foods to avoid reducing inflammation and improve daily functioning.
4. Environmental Allergies Affect Quality of Life
- Testing 54 environmental allergens helps identify triggers such as dust mites, pollens, molds, and pet dander.
- Knowing these triggers allows for more effective treatment antihistamines, nasal sprays, lifestyle changes, or immunotherapy for long-term relief.
5. Prevent Progression of Allergic Disease
- Untreated allergies can worsen over time and lead to:
- Chronic sinus problems
- Asthma development or flare-ups
- Sleep disturbances
- Long-term airway inflammation
- Early testing and treatment reduce long-term complications.
6. Customized, Targeted Treatment Plan
- Testing results allow the provider to create a personalized plan including:
- Environmental modifications
- Diet changes
- Medical management
- Immunotherapy, which desensitizes the patient to their triggers and reduces inflammation long-term.
7. Improve Daily Energy, Sleep, and Immune Function
- Removing or treating allergens decreases internal inflammation, improving:
- Sleep quality
- Cognitive focus
- Energy levels
- Overall immune balance
- Patients often report feeling “better overall” once their allergen load is reduced.
8. Safe, In-Office Testing Provides Immediate Results
- Quick, accurate skin testing for 117 total allergens (food + environmental).
- Results are available the same day, allowing patients to leave the visit with a clear action plan.
9. Supports Whole-Body Wellness, Not Just Symptom Relief
- Allergy testing is an essential tool for preventive medicine.
- By identifying hidden allergies and reducing inflammation, patients improve their long-term health, not just their seasonal symptoms.
Allergy Test Preparation Guide
Please review these important steps to ensure the most accurate test results.
1. Stop Antihistamines Before Testing
To avoid false negatives, please discontinue the following:
- 48 hours prior: Zyrtec, Xyzal, Allegra, Claritin, Clarinex, cetirizine, levocetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine
- 48 hours prior: Benadryl or diphenhydramine
7 days prior: Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril)
Always consult your provider before stopping prescription medications.
2. Avoid These Medications (If Possible)
- Acid reducers (Pepcid, Zantac, famotidine) — 48 hours before
- Sleep aids or cold medications containing antihistamines — 4 days before
3. Continue Necessary Medications
- Asthma inhalers, nasal sprays, and montelukast may be continued unless instructed otherwise.
4. No Lotions or Creams
Do not apply lotions, oils, or topical steroids on your back or arms on the day of testing.
5. Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine
Please avoid both for 24 hours before your appointment.
6. Wear Comfortable Clothing
Testing is performed on the arms, so wear clothing that allows easy access.
7. Eat Normally & Stay Hydrated
No fasting required. A light meal is recommended.
8. Plan for 25-30 Minutes
Your full visit includes:
- Test placement
- 20-minute wait time
- Reading results & reviewing next steps
9. Notify the Office If You:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have severe asthma
- Take beta blockers
- Have a history of anaphylaxis
- Have skin conditions on testing areas
- Recently had fever or illness
Thank you for preparing properly this ensures the most accurate allergy test results.