Allergy Testing

Allergy testing is one of the most important tools allergists use to accurately diagnose allergic conditions and create personalized treatment plans. At AllergySA, our board-certified allergists use evidence-based allergy testing to identify what triggers your symptoms and determine the most effective way to treat them.

Whether you are experiencing seasonal allergies, allergic asthma, sinus symptoms, eczema, or unexplained reactions, allergy testing helps your specialist develop the most effective treatment plan and often move beyond temporary symptom management to long-term control.

What Is Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing is a safe and reliable way to identify substances, called allergens, that trigger allergic reactions. These allergens may include pollens, dust mites, molds, pet dander, foods, insect venom, or medications.

Testing allows your allergist to:

Confirm whether symptoms are allergic in nature
Identify specific triggers
Distinguish allergies from non-allergic conditions
Guide targeted, effective treatment

Types of Allergy Testing Performed by AllergySA

Your allergist will determine the most appropriate testing method after taking a thorough history and performing a physician exam. The number and specific allergens you will be tested for will be determined by your allergy specialists based on this initial consultation.

Skin Prick Testing

Skin testing is the preferred method for diagnosing allergies. It is a simple in-office procedure with results available during your testing appointment. This allows your AllergySA provider to develop a personalized treatment plan the same day.

Small amounts of allergen extracts are placed on the skin, usually the back, and gently ‘pricked’ into the surface of the skin.

Results are available in about 15-20 minutes
Safe for both children and adults
Helps identify environmental allergies to pollen, mold, dust mite, and animal dander
Also used in the diagnosis of allergies to foods, insect venom, and some medications

Your allergist may also perform intradermal testing, a highly sensitive, second-line diagnostic procedure utilized when skin prick testing is inconclusive. It involves injecting tiny amounts of allergen under the skin to further clarify results.

Blood Testing

Blood tests may be recommended when skin testing is not appropriate, such as for patients with severe skin conditions, those taking certain medications, or individuals at higher risk for reactions.

How Allergy Testing Helps Diagnose Allergic Conditions

Allergy testing is part of a comprehensive evaluation that begins with a detailed medical history and physical exam. Test results help allergists confirm diagnoses such as:

Environmental allergies (allergic rhinitis or hay fever)
Allergic asthma
Chronic sinusitis related to allergies
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Food and medication allergies
Insect sting allergy

By identifying the specific allergens involved, your allergist can target the underlying cause of symptoms and develop a plan that may include allergen avoidance, medications, and allergy immunotherapy.

Using Allergy Test Results to Create a Personalized Treatment Plan

Allergy testing directly guides treatment decisions. Based on your results, your allergist may recommend:

Allergen Avoidance Strategies

Understanding your triggers allows for practical changes at home, school, or work to reduce exposure.

Medications

Targeted use of antihistamines, nasal sprays, inhalers, or other medications can better control symptoms when triggers are known.

Allergy Immunotherapy

For patients with environmental allergies or allergic asthma, allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) may be recommended. Immunotherapy works by gradually training the immune system to become less sensitive to allergens and can provide long-term symptom relief.

Asthma Management

In patients with allergic asthma, identifying triggers helps optimize inhaler therapy and determine whether advanced treatments such as biologic medications are appropriate.

Allergy Testing for Children and Adults

Allergy testing is safe and effective for patients of all ages. Early identification of allergic triggers in children can help prevent complications, improve asthma control, and enhance quality of life. Adults can benefit from testing even if symptoms developed later in life or have worsened over time.