Allergy Testing in Georgia

Types of Allergies and How To Diagnose Them

An allergy occurs when the body's immune system reacts to a typically harmless substance, also known as an allergen. Common allergy types include seasonal allergies, drug allergies, food allergies, latex allergies, mold allergies, and pet allergies. Most allergens can be detected using some form of allergy testing.

Allergy Diagnosis At Northwest ENT

During your initial consultation at our office, your ENT physician will review your medical history, family medical history, and current or past symptoms. If you have had strong allergic reactions before, you should bring it up with your provider so they can adjust testing accordingly. After reviewing your case, your doctor might recommend skin testing, blood testing or both.

Allergy testing is done by Northwest ENT staff at our clinics. We have five locations in the Metro Atlanta area where you can get tested for allergies.

Skin Testing

A skin test is a non-invasive procedure used to identify allergic reactions to many allergens at once. Skin testing is one of the most common and reliable methods for identifying allergies. It's quick, relatively painless, and provides immediate results. At our Georgia clinics, we use  two primary types of skin tests: skin prick testing and intradermal testing. Depending on your health history and symptoms, blood testing may be recommended in addition to or instead of skin testing.

Skin Prick Testing

Skin prick testing, also known as puncture or scratch testing, is often the first line of allergy diagnostics. Here's what you can expect during a skin prick test:

1. A small drop of allergen extract is placed on your skin, typically on your forearm or back.
2. The skin beneath the drop is gently pricked or scratched with a small, sterile probe.
3. After about 15 minutes, the skin is observed for signs of an allergic reaction, such as redness, swelling, or itching.
4. Multiple allergens can be tested simultaneously, allowing for efficient identification of various triggers.

This test is generally safe and well-tolerated, even by children. A skin prick test reveals which substances you are allergic to (allergens). Then, an intradermal test helps determine the severity of the allergy.

In the following video, Northwest ENT’s Dr. Ryan Kauffman gets tested for allergies with a skin prick test.

Intradermal Testing

Intradermal testing is a more sensitive method. It’s helpful to reveal the severity of an allergy (mild, moderate or high). It’s also implemented in cases where a skin prick test did not provide conclusive results. The process involves:

1. Injecting a small amount of allergen extract just beneath the skin's surface.
2. Observing the injection site for 15-20 minutes for signs of an allergic reaction.
3. Measuring any raised, red areas (wheals) that develop.

The following video shows Dr. Kauffman getting an intradermal test after the initial skin prick test.

Blood Testing

Blood tests measure the levels of allergy-related antibodies in your blood. Your provider might order blood testing on top or instead of skin testing if you have a skin condition that could interfere with skin test results, are taking medications that could affect skin test accuracy or there's a risk of a severe allergic reaction to skin testing.

The process for blood testing is straightforward:

1. A small blood sample is drawn from your arm.
2. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
3. Results typically come back within a few days to a week.

What To Do After Receiving Your Allergy Diagnosis

Once you have the results of your tests, your provider will discuss next steps with you. An accurate diagnosis enables your allergist to create a personalized treatment plan, which may include medications, immunotherapy, or lifestyle changes. Treatment greatly improves life quality and is particularly important for people with severe allergies, who require an emergency action plan.

Schedule An Allergy Testing Appointment in Georgia

Whether you're dealing with seasonal sniffles or more severe allergic reactions, the experts at Northwest ENT are here to help. Don't let allergies dictate your life any longer – schedule your allergy testing appointment today at any of our six locations in the metro Atlanta area.