Allergy Testing in Atlanta

Trust in Our Allergy Tests to Provide an Accurate Diagnosis

In the United States alone, over 50 million people suffer from different types of allergies. At the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia, our board-certified allergy and asthma specialists understand that identifying allergic triggers is the first step in a comprehensive allergy treatment plan.

What is Allergy Testing?

Allergy tests are medical procedures used to determine if your body has an allergic reaction to a specific substance, and they are essential for diagnosing a variety of conditions. Allergy testing detects sensitivity to common inhalants like pollen, dust mites and pet dander, or to some medications, certain foods, latex, insect venom, or other substances.

Common methods for diagnosing allergies include an allergy skin test, which identifies allergen sensitivity through small pricks in the skin and blood tests like the ImmunoCAP test, which measure specific IgE antibodies.

These tests, along with a thorough medical history, are essential in diagnosing various allergic conditions, including hay fever, asthma, eczema, and food allergies. By identifying the substances that trigger your allergic reactions, allergy tests enable your allergist to develop an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs. This might involve avoiding specific allergens, taking medications, or undergoing allergy immunotherapy.

Allergy Testing in Atlanta for Different Allergic Conditions

At our allergy and asthma clinics, we provide a comprehensive range of tests for diagnosing various allergic conditions, including:

• A skin prick test, sometimes called a scratch test, is widely used to diagnose allergies to foods, pollen, animal dander, and dust mites. Small amounts of potential allergens are placed on the skin and lightly pricked to allow exposure. Reactions, such as redness or raised bumps, appear within 15 to 20 minutes, providing quick identification of the specific allergens to which you are sensitive.
• Intradermal allergy testing involves injecting a small amount of solution containing the allergen just under the skin. Intradermal tests can help diagnose an allergy when symptoms are present but other testing is inconclusive. This can be especially true when diagnosing a penicillin allergy or stinging insect allergy.
• Patch tests involve applying the suspected allergen to a patch, which is then placed on the skin of the upper back. In most cases, patch tests are used to determine whether a particular allergen is causing symptoms of contact dermatitis.

Allergy Testing and Asthma

Our asthma specialists utilize several different tests, along with a thorough medical history, to obtain an asthma diagnosis. These may include spirometry (lung function tests), chest or sinus x-rays, and, in some cases, allergy testing when an allergic component is suspected.

• Hay Fever: For hay fever diagnosis, or allergic rhinitis, scratch/prick test are often used. This involves placing small amounts of potential allergens on the skin and lightly pricking it to allow exposure. If allergic, a small raised bump appears within 15 to 20 minutes, identifying specific triggers and enabling appropriate treatment recommendations.
• Food Allergies: In addition to allergy skin tests, our specialists may utilize open, or oral, challenges to confirm a diagnosis or update testing for food or drug sensitivities. These tests are conducted under medical supervision to determine if a food or medication can be safely consumed or taken.
• Dermatitis: Patch testing is the primary method for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis. During this test, patches containing small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to the skin and left for 48 hours. Afterward, the skin is examined for reactions, helping to identify substances causing dermatitis and guiding effective management strategies.

When is an Allergy Test Needed

Allergy testing is recommended when you experience persistent symptoms that suggest an IgE mediated allergic reaction. These symptoms might include sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes, shortness of breath, or gastrointestinal issues after eating certain foods. Your allergist will order specific tests after discussing your medical and symptom history.

If over-the-counter allergy medications are not providing relief, or if you experience severe reactions such as anaphylaxis, it is important to undergo allergy testing. The results of these tests along with your medical and symptom history are interpreted by our specialists to provide an accurate diagnosis.

What to Expect During an Allergy Test in Atlanta

During an allergy test at one of our Atlanta Metro area clinics, you can expect a thorough and personalized experience. Our allergy specialists will first take a detailed medical history and discuss your symptoms. Depending on the type of test you are undergoing, the procedure will vary:

• For a Skin Prick Test, small drops of allergens are placed on your forearm or back, and the skin is gently pricked. Results are typically visible within 15-20 minutes, showing up as small red bumps if you are allergic.
• Intradermal Allergy Testing involves injecting allergens just under the skin, usually on your arm. Intradermal tests are generally more sensitive and are usually performed when the response to a skin prick test is insufficient.
• Oral challenge, also known as an open challenge, is a procedure that determines if a patient is allergic to a food or medication. This procedure, done under medical supervision in your allergist’s office, is used to determine if a food or medication can be safely consumed or taken. Allergists may use this in addition to other allergy tests.
• Patch Tests require patches with allergens to be applied to your back. You will need to wear these patches for 48 hours, avoiding activities that might dislodge them. After the patches are removed, the skin is evaluated for reactions.
• For an Allergy Blood Test, a small blood sample is taken at a lab.  Analysis and results are generally available within a week.

How to Prepare for an Allergy Test

Some test may need more preparation than others, however, here are some general guidance:

• Avoid Antihistamines and Other Specific Medications: Certain medications can interfere with the results of skin tests. Your doctor will advise you on how long before the test you should stop taking them.  For which medications to withhold, and for what duration, please see our complete list.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Our staff will need to access areas of your skin, like your back, to complete testing.
• Inform Your Doctor: Let your doctor know about all the medications and supplements you are taking, as some might need to be paused before testing.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Normally: There is no need to fast, so eat and drink as you usually would unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Bring Medical Records: If you have previous test results or a record of your symptoms, bring them along to provide a comprehensive overview of your condition.

Allergy Testing for Specific Conditions

In our allergy clinics, we offer a variety of testing options tailored to your individual needs. Whether you require an allergy skin test, food allergy testing including an open food challenge, lung function tests, or any other test required for an accurate diagnosis, our specialists are here to help. 

Our clinics are conveniently located throughout Metro Atlanta, ensuring you receive the care you need close to home. Call at (770) 459-0620 or use our online patient contact form to book your same-day or next-day appointment.

• Carrollton
• Villa Rica
• Newnan
• Smyrna/Vinings
• Peachtree City/Fayetteville
• Acworth/Kennesaw
• Douglasville
• Hiram
• Griffin

Frequently Asked Questions About Allergy Tests