Which Type of Allergy Testing Do I Need?

More than 50 million Americans have allergies, and many struggle with persistent symptoms that interfere with their health. Unfortunately, many people have no idea what their allergy triggers are, making the condition more difficult to treat.

At Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic, our experienced medical team specializes in diagnosing and treating acute and chronic allergies. We offer allergy testing on-site to uncover the substances you’re allergic to, so you can manage your allergies more efficiently.

What to know about allergies

Allergies describe an overreaction of your immune system when you come into contact with an allergy trigger. These triggers are typically substances in your environment that aren’t considered harmful to human health.

Common allergens include:

• Dust
• Mold
• Pollen
• Pet dander
• Insect venom

Exposure to allergens can cause mild to severe symptoms, including sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, skin rash, and nasal congestion. For some people, anaphylaxis can occur.

An anaphylactic reaction describes sudden inflammation in your airways that makes breathing difficult. Without immediate treatment with an injectable epinephrine medication, anaphylaxis can become life-threatening.

Because of the severity of allergy symptoms, you must learn all you can about your allergies and their triggers. That’s why our skilled physicians offer in-office allergy testing services.

Types of allergy tests

Two types of allergy tests are available at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic. While each works differently, both tests can help identify which substances trigger an allergic reaction in your immune system.

We offer the following allergy testing services:

Skin allergy tests

Skin allergy tests involve pricking your skin with small droplets of known allergens. A red, itchy welt forms on your skin if you're allergic to a substance.

Blood allergy tests

Blood allergy tests identify antibodies your body produces when you have an allergic reaction. We take a small sample of your blood and process your results in a medical lab to determine your allergy triggers.

Choosing the right testing services

Skin tests are a standard way to test for allergies. We can test multiple substances at the same visit for your convenience.

Blood test results take longer than skin tests but can still provide valuable information our providers can use to customize your allergy treatment plan.

Our providers at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic may recommend both types of testing to get the most accurate results. We can determine which tests are right for you based on your medical history, your symptoms, and the specific substances in your environment.

Throughout skin testing, we continue to monitor your health and can treat any reaction symptoms you experience. We also provide customized allergy management plans using oral medications, immunotherapy, and other treatments. Our providers can also help you incorporate strategies into your routine to avoid known allergens as much as possible.

Call the Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic near you to schedule allergy testing or book an appointment online. You can also visit the clinic as a walk-in for allergy-related emergencies.