WHAT TO EXPECT:

Mild to moderate itching of the back or arm. The test lasts 15-20 minutes. In a few cases, an intradermal injection of allergen may be placed just under the skin which can be a little more uncomfortable.

PRE-PROCEDURE:

Anti-histamines (oral & nasal) need to be stopped

• 3-7 days prior: Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Actifed, Tavist, Drixorial, other sleep aids, Astelin (Astepro/ azelastine), Dymista, or Patanase (olopatadine). Some acid reflux medications will also need to be stopped: Zantac (ranitidine), Tagamet (cimetidine), Pepcid (famotidine).

• 7 days prior: Allegra (fexofenadine), Claritin (loratadine), Clarinex (desloratadine), Zyrtec (cetirizine) or Xyzal (levocetirizine)

• 14 days prior: Atarax (Vistaril, hydroxyzine)

Inform the nurse if you are taking a beta-blocker (blood pressure medication). Leave small children at home. If you can, wear a loose fitting shirt such as a T-shirt or tank top. We may not be able to do testing the same day as your initial appointment, and you may be asked to schedule another time.

POST-PROCEDURE:

Skin test will be reviewed with the doctor, and treatment options of environmental control, medications and/ or allergy immunotherapy (injections vs sublingual drops/ tablets) will be discussed. You should avoid exercise for approximately 2 hours after testing.