Our Services

Skin testing: Prick/puncture testing is performed on the inner surface of the forearm in adult patients or on the back for pediatric patients.  A small amount of multiple allergens are scratched, or pricked, onto the surface of the skin and observed for a local reaction similar to a mosquito bite.  We may also do intradermal testing, which is where a small amount of the allergens are injected with a small needle just under the surface of the skin on the upper arm, again observing for a local reaction.  This testing takes about 20 to 30 minutes. 

Penicillin skin testing: prick/puncture and intradermal testing to major and minor determinants for Penicillin will be done.  This testing generally takes about half hour to 45 minutes.

Patch testing: This testing consists of 3 consecutive appointments on a Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at which time 3 patches a bit larger than a deck of cards are placed on the upper portion of your back.  They will stay in place for 48 hours, during which time you cannot shower, or get the patches wet.  At your second appointment, the patches will be removed and we will check for an initial reaction, redness or swelling.  We then have you return for a second check on Friday for any further delayed reactions.

Anesthetic skin testing:  Generally this testing is done for dental procedures where you or your dentist believe you may be allergic to the local anesthetic.  We ask that your dentist provide a sample of the anesthetic in question without epinephrine.  The testing is performed by diluting the anesthetic and scratching it onto the surface of your forearm to observe for a local reaction such as redness and swelling.  If there is no reaction, the sample will then be injected with a small needle just under the skin surface of the upper arm, and finally subcutaneously injected into the bicep area of the upper arm.  This testing generally lasts about an hour.

Allergy immunotherapy:  After skin testing has been completed, you will return for an initial allergy injection appointment.  Allergy Vials will be made of a sterile extract of  allergens that were positive during skin testing and are made specifically for you.  Depending on the number of allergens your reacted to, you may have between 1 and 3 vials.  Allergy injections are given once a week, each time you must wait in the office for 20 minutes after your allergy injection to observe for any significant local or systemic reaction.  After building up to a maintenance dose, injections can then be spread out to every other week or once a month.  Generally we ask that you continue your allergy injections for 3 to 5 years.