Skin Prick Test Instructions

Purpose

Allergy tests identify substances (allergens) that trigger your symptoms. Common allergens tested include grass, trees, weeds, molds, dust mites, pet dander, and sometimes foods. 

Testing Methods

• Skin Prick Test: A tiny amount of allergen is pricked into the skin (back or arms). Positive reactions appear as small bumps or wheals within 15–20 minutes.

• Intradermal Test: If prick test is negative, allergens may be retested by injecting a small amount under the skin (upper arm). Swelling appears in 15 – 20 minutes. Some time may appear 4–8 hours later.

Duration & Reactions

•  Testing takes about 1 hour.

•  Typical reactions: red, raised, itchy welts.

•  Relief: apply ice or hydrocortisone cream in office & at home.

•  Rare reactions: itchy eyes, nose, throat, chest tightness, hives, lightheadedness, or anaphylaxis. Notify medical staff immediately if these occur.

Pre-Test Instructions - Failure to follow these instructions may result in rescheduling!

Stop These Medications

• Antihistamines: Stop at least 4 days before testing. Examples: Allegra, Antivert, Benadryl, Claritin, Clarinex, Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine, Dramamine, Fexofenadine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine, Midol, NyQuil, Phenergan, Tylenol PM, Xyzal, Zyrtec, herbal remedies, OTC cold/allergy/sinus tablets.

• Steroids: Must be finished at least 2 weeks before testing (e.g., Medrolpak, Prednisone).

• Nasal sprays with antihistamines: Stop 4 days before (Astelin, Astepro, Dymist, Patanase, Ryaltris).

Allowed Medications

•  Afrin, Flonase, Fluticasone, Nasacort, Nasarel, Nasonex, Omnaris, QNasal, Rhinocort, Veramyst.

•  Asthma medications: Singulair and inhalers (Albuterol, Advair, Alvesco, Flovent, Pulmicort, QVAR) are okay to continue if you are only undergoing skin testing. Some inhalers may need to be held only on the day of a breathing test if it is scheduled in addition to the skin test.

Notify Staff If

• You take depression, tranquilizers, or sleeping aid medications (may need to be stopped for a few days to a week).

• You are having an asthma attack, breathing problems, illness, or are on antibiotics on the day of testing.