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Allergy Testing

Lonestar Medical -  - Family Medicine

Lonestar Medical

Family Medicine located in New Braunfels, TX

Dr. Jay Gruhlkey provides allergy testing services to his patient from in and around New Braunfels, Texas at his practice, Lonestar Medical.

Allergy Testing Q&A

What Should I Do if I Think I Have an Allergy?

If you believe that you or your child have had an allergic reaction, make an appointment with Dr. Gruhlkey to discuss the symptoms, potential causes, and what testing or treatment is needed. Dr. Gruhlkey will perform an examination and ask detailed questions about the allergic symptoms to understand the situation. He may order a variety of tests to gather more information about the suspected allergy. The results of these tests, including the presence of certain proteins in the blood or any rash-like reactions on the skin, may indicate an allergy. Most doctors agree that additional testing and monitoring is necessary to identify food allergies. The doctor may ask the patient to follow an elimination diet or keep a food diary including details of what has been eaten and any subsequent symptoms. Treatment can begin once the allergy is identified.

What Happens During Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing usually involves exposing the patient to a minute amount of suspected allergens in a controlled environment. When the body produces an allergic reaction certain proteins and chemicals are produced and can be detected in the blood. Some of the exposure tests include a skin prick test, blood test, and oral food challenge and/or trial elimination diet.

During a skin test, the patient is exposed to a small amount of an allergen, either through an injection or the skin is lightly scratched or pierced and a drop of solution containing the allergen will be placed on the patient’s skin to enter the bloodstream. The tested area is then monitored for a reaction. Once it is determined what you are allergic to and how allergic you are to it, treatment options can be discussed. Treatment options include SCIT (subcutaneous immunotherapy or allergy shots), SLIT (sublingual immunotherapy or drop under the tongue, and OMIT (oral mucosal immunotherapy or toothpaste)

A blood test involves a sample being drawn to measure the presence of IgE antibodies to known allergens. The presence of these antibodies indicates potential allergies.

A positive result to a food allergen will usually lead to an oral food challenge or an elimination diet could help in further diagnoses. During an elimination diet, the patient will remove all suspected allergies from his or her diet for a certain period of time. Then the patient will slowly reintroduce items back to his or her diet, one at a time, to isolate and identify the allergen.

What Allergy Testing Method Is Best?

Skin and blood tests are both effective diagnostic tools for Dr. Gruhlkey to learn more about your allergies. Skin tests provide fast results, however, some medicines can affect these test and the results can sometimes be challenging to read. Blood tests only involve a single needle prick, which is popular with many patients, but it can take a long time for the results to be returns.

For more information, schedule a visit with Dr. Gruhlkey today and read more at DirectAllergy by clicking the logo. 

Insurance

Lonestar Medical accepts most major insurance. If you have any questions about your eligibility or coverage, please call our office. We are happy to help you!

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
First Health
Humana
Humana Choice Care
Humana ChoiceCare Network PPO
United Healthcare