Allergy Testing

Allergies are impossible to pinpoint without proper testing. At Internal Medicine Partners in Naples, Florida, Alejandro Blanco, MD, Ralph Rodriguez, MD, and their team of internal medicine providers offer skin prick testing to help determine your specific allergies. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

What is allergy testing?

Allergy testing identifies specific substances (allergens) that trigger reactions in your immune system. An allergy occurs when your immune system overreacts to a usually harmless substance, like pollen or peanuts. Thorough testing is crucial to determine whether you have an allergy, which substances you’re allergic to, and how to manage your condition.

If you or a loved one experiences disruptive allergy symptoms, the team at Internal Medicine Partners are here to help with allergy testing services. 

What should I expect during allergy testing?

Internal Medicine Partners offers a type of allergy testing commonly called skin prick testing. Also known as scratch testing, this approach works by placing a minute volume of specific allergens into the outermost layers of your skin. 

Your practitioner uses a small device called a lancet to create a minimal skin penetration and deliver a drop of diluted allergen into your skin. This process is repeated multiple times to check for reaction to a variety of common allergens. 

After around 15 minutes your practitioner checks the area for any signs of swelling, redness, or other reactions. The way your skin responds to this form of allergy testing lets your practitioner know if you are allergic to various substances.  

How should I prepare for allergy testing?

Your doctor at Internal Medicine Partners provides individualized instructions before allergy testing to help you prepare. They may recommend one or more of the following steps:

• Keep a food diary
• Stop taking antihistamines
• Temporarily avoid certain medications
• Wear loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid scented perfumes and lotions
• Create a list of potential allergens and symptoms

Allergy testing takes about 30 minutes.

What is the next step after allergy testing?

Once your doctor diagnoses your allergies, they work with you to develop an individualized care plan that may include:

• Antihistamines
• Trigger avoidance
• Nasal or oral corticosteroids
• Decongestants
• Mast cell stabilizers

Your doctor may also teach you how to use epinephrine, a self-injectable emergency treatment, in case you experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that requires emergency intervention.

Call Internal Medicine Partners today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about allergy testing.