How We Diagnose
Allergy Testing
Get Answers With Allergy Testing
Allergy testing is a safe and effective way to identify the cause of your allergic reactions. Using efficient testing methods for an accurate diagnosis, our allergy specialists can help determine what’s triggering your symptoms so you can take the next step toward lasting relief.
At The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen, our board-certified allergists provide allergy testing for patients of all ages, including infants. We offer several types of allergy testing depending on your symptoms and test for environmental (pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander), food, stinging insect venom and medication allergies. Additionally, we offer patch testing for patients with allergic contact dermatitis to screen for sensitivities to various chemicals found in soaps, detergents, shampoos, creams, cosmetics and other everyday products.
Many allergy test results are available on the same day as your appointment, while some may require additional lab testing.
Our team takes a personalized approach to allergy testing that focuses on your long-term health. With allergy clinics located throughout Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia, you can schedule your visit at the location most convenient to you!
What is Allergy Testing?
Allergy tests are medical evaluations that detect whether a person has an allergic response to a specific substance. Depending on your symptoms, age, medical history and what is being evaluated, different testing procedures may be used.
Common methods include skin prick testing, intradermal testing, patch testing, blood testing and oral challenges. Some specialized testing may also be recommended in specific situations.
No matter the method used, our allergists’ goal is to provide clear answers that help you better understand and manage your symptoms.
What Allergies Are Tested in an Allergy Test?
At The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen, we perform allergy testing to identify a large variety of potential triggers that may be causing your symptoms. Common allergens we test for include grass, weed and tree pollens as well as dust mites, pet dander and stinging insect venom (from bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets and fire ants).
We also evaluate food allergies, medication allergies, skin allergies and other possible triggers based on your symptoms and medical history.
Testing for allergies can also help identify triggers related to conditions like asthma, hay fever, eczema and chronic sinus issues, allowing our specialists to develop a more customized treatment plan that may include avoidance, patient education, medication or allergy shots (immunotherapy) .
Types of Allergy Tests
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Skin Prick Testing
Skin prick testing identifies a broad range of allergies, including environmental allergens like pet dander and cockroaches, insect stings, certain medications and skin allergies. It is not typically used for chemical allergy testing but may be combined with other types of testing methods for food allergies.
During testing, small amounts of allergen extracts are placed on the skin and lightly introduced using a small plastic device resembling a toothpick. Adults are usually tested on the arm and children on the back. The number of pricks varies depending on what is being tested, with fewer used in young children to maintain comfort while ensuring thorough results.
After about 15 minutes, the skin is checked for a reaction. A raised bump (wheal) may indicate an allergy, and its size helps our allergy specialists determine the likelihood and severity of sensitivity.
If needed, intradermal testing may follow, which involves injecting a small amount of allergen extract just under the skin and checking results again after about 15 minutes.
Patch Testing
Patch allergy testing is a form of chemical allergy testing used to diagnose contact allergies that may be causing skin irritation or rashes. It is especially helpful in detecting sensitivity to substances found in everyday products such as fragrances, preservatives, metals and other common chemicals. The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen tests up to 90 different chemicals.
During testing, panels are placed on the back in adhesive strips, typically during a Monday visit. Once applied, the area must stay dry while the patches are in place.
Patients return on Wednesday for patch removal and an initial reading, then again on Friday for a final reading to check for delayed reactions and review results. Delayed reactions are common with patch testing.
Reactions may appear as redness, bumps or small blisters and help detect specific chemical allergies.
Blood Testing
Blood allergy testing, also known as ImmunoCAP testing, is used less often but can be helpful in certain situations. It measures specific antibodies in the blood to help confirm allergies and assess the body’s response.
When testing for food allergies, blood tests are often used in combination with other testing methods. If skin prick testing is positive and consistent with the patient’s history, bloodwork may be ordered for further evaluation.
Blood tests are also used when patients cannot stop certain medications that would interfere with skin testing.
After testing, a blood sample is sent to a lab. Results are typically available in about a week and are reviewed with the patient by phone or in the office.
Oral Challenges
Oral challenges are used to confirm or rule out food and medication allergies and are typically performed after initial blood or skin testing to clarify results, usually when earlier tests are negative. If results are negative and the patient’s history supports it, an oral challenge may be performed to verify the negative result.
For medication allergies such as penicillin, the patient is given a measured dose (either a full dose or gradually increasing amounts depending on the case) and is closely monitored during an office visit, usually for about an hour.
When doing an oral challenge test for food allergies, the patient consumes gradually increasing amounts of the specific food of concern while being monitored for any symptoms, such as a rash or other reactions. This process typically takes one to two hours, depending on the food and protocol used.
Oral challenges provide the most definitive way to confirm or rule out an allergy and are always performed under close medical supervision.
Should I Get Allergy Tested?
Allergy testing is recommended if you experience ongoing or unexplained symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, a runny nose or itching without a clear cause or rash. It can also help evaluate chronic skin conditions like dermatitis or hives, as well as other constant allergy symptoms.
Some patients also choose testing to confirm suspected allergies or determine whether a childhood allergy has been outgrown. Others choose testing to see if they have allergies they may not have been aware of.
Because allergy testing involves controlled exposure to allergens, it should always be performed and monitored by a physician to avoid anaphylaxis. At-home testing for allergies is not recommended due to safety risks and accuracy concerns.
FAQs About Allergy Testing
What to Expect Before, During & After Your Appointment
What to Know Before You Go
What Should I Avoid Before Allergy Testing? What Medications Should I Stop?
At The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen, we recommend stopping antihistamines at least five days before allergy testing, as they can interfere with results. This includes medications such as Claritin (Loratadine), Zyrtec (Cetirizine), Xyzal (Levocetirizine), Allegra (Fexofenadine) and Benadryl (diphenhydramine). While Singulair is an antihistamine, it may be continued.
Antibiotics do not interfere with allergy testing and may be continued as prescribed.
Avoid applying lotions, moisturizers or topical creams to the arms or back on the day of your allergy testing. These products can create a skin barrier that may interfere with accurate test results.
Can Children Get Allergy Tested?
Yes. The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen provides tests for patients of all ages, including infant and pediatric allergy testing. Our allergy specialists personalize testing based on the patient’s age, symptoms and medical history to ensure safety and comfort.
Does Health Insurance Cover Allergy Testing?
In many cases, yes. The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen is in-network with many insurance plans and performs an insurance investigation before your appointment to help estimate expected out-of-pocket costs.
We still recommend verifying coverage directly with your insurance provider, as patients are ultimately responsible for charges not covered by insurance. Learn more on our insurance page.
Do I Need a Referral for Allergy Testing?
No referral is needed for allergy testing at The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen unless your insurance plan specifically requires one. We recommend confirming referral requirements with your insurance provider before your appointment.
Do You Offer Walk-In Allergy Testing?
The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen does not provide walk-in allergy testing. To ensure each patient receives adequate time with our allergy specialists, we ask that patients schedule an appointment for allergy testing.
What Do I Wear for Allergy Testing?
The team at The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen recommends wearing comfortable clothing, including a loose and short-sleeved shirt, as testing may be performed on the arms or back.
Do I Need to Share My Medical History Before My Appointment?
Yes. Before your visit with The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen, you will receive a symptoms and medical history form to fill out so your allergist can review your information in advance. The form will be sent to you electronically.
What to Expect During Your Visit
How Long Does an Allergy Test Take?
At The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen, most in-office allergy tests take about 15–20 minutes to perform, excluding oral challenges. However, your first appointment may last between two to four hours depending on the testing and evaluation needed.
Your visit may include a medical history review, physical exam, allergy testing, X-rays, discussion of results and personalized treatment recommendations.
What Kind of Doctor Does Allergy Testing?
Allergy testing at The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen is performed by board-certified allergists trained in allergy, asthma and immunology.
How Is an Allergy Test Done?
Allergy testing methods depend on what is being evaluated. At The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen, testing may involve placing small amounts of allergens on or under the skin, applying adhesive patches, drawing blood or completing monitored oral challenges.
Our allergy specialists will recommend the most appropriate testing method based on your case.
What Allergies Are Tested in an Allergy Test?
The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen tests for a wide range of allergies including environmental allergies, food allergies, medication allergies, skin allergies and insect sting allergies.
Common allergens tested in our standard panel include pollen, grass, mold, dust mites, pet dander, stinging insects and more depending on your symptoms and medical history.
Is Allergy Testing Painful?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during allergy testing. At The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen, we work to make testing as comfortable as possible and can provide anesthetic options for children when appropriate. Severe reactions during testing are rare.
What Happens After You Test
How Accurate Are Allergy Tests?
At The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen, allergy tests are highly reliable when interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.
Tests detect sensitivity by measuring allergic antibodies or skin reactions, but a positive result alone does not always mean you will have symptoms in real life. Some patients may show positive results without noticeable reactions, which is why testing is only one part of the diagnosis.
Our allergy specialists combine your test results with your history and symptom patterns to accurately determine what is truly causing your allergies.
Will I Have Side Effects From Allergy Testing?
Most patients experience little to no side effects after allergy testing. Skin testing may cause mild redness, itching or small raised bumps (wheals) that typically resolve within a few hours.
Blood testing does not affect the skin and may be preferred for patients with more severe skin conditions. Serious reactions are rare.
Most patients can return to normal activities immediately after their appointment. Keep in mind that only reactions seen during the testing window (about 15–20 minutes for skin testing) are used for diagnosis. Delayed skin changes do not necessarily indicate an allergy.
When Will I Get My Allergy Test Results?
The results timeline depends on the type of allergy test:
• Skin testing is usually read within 15–20 minutes during your visit.
• Patch testing is reviewed over several days to capture delayed reactions.
• Blood testing results take about a week.
• Oral challenge results are given in real time over the course of one to two hours.
What Happens After My Allergy Test Results?
Once your results are ready, your allergist at The Allergy Asthma Group of Galen will review them with you and explain what they mean in the context of your symptoms and history.
From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include avoidance strategies, medications, allergy shots or other customized options designed to help you manage symptoms long-term.
Find Peace of Mind & Relief With Allergy Testing
Allergy testing helps identify what’s causing your symptoms so you can enjoy the foods, activities, and environments you love without fear of allergic reactions. With this clarity, you can have greater peace of mind and an improved quality of life. Once your results are reviewed, our allergists will create a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms and feel your best every day. Get the answers you need about your allergies and find relief by scheduling an appointment today!