Preparations & Precautions
If you know you are coming to The Asthma & Allergy
Institute (or being referred) specifically for allergy skin testing,
please note that it is recommended that patients be free of antihistamines
from their system for 5 days prior to testing. This includes prescription
and /or over-the-counter antihistamines(NOTE:consult with your physician
before discontinuing or interupting any treatment protocol you are
currently on).
You may eat a full breakfast, lunch, and dinner prior to testing. During
testing, do not eat, drink, or chew anything (even gum or mints). This
precaution is to ensure that any reaction you may develop is due to
the testing, and not other factors. Also, let us know of any medications
you have taken, particularly any antihistamines.
It is rare that anyone has any problems during the testing process.
If you have any symptoms during the testing process (tingling, swelling,
or any other reaction other than mild itching), please advise the testing
technician. It is very rare that patients have severe reactions during
the testing process, like breathing problems or anaphylaxis. As a precaution,
less us know if you have a history of anaphylaxis or a sensitivity
to any antigens that we will be testing. We also ask
that while testing, you do not smoke or leave the building. If you
need to leave the testing area, please let a technician know. If you
must leave at a certain time, please tell the technicians when you
begin the testing process so they can plan accordingly.
If you have any questions at any point, please ask. We are here to
help you.
