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Allergy testing is essential to your child’s medical care, and Advanced Pediatrics makes it easy to get these tests at the right times. The patient-focused private practice offers comprehensive medical care for children, from checkups and screenings to sick care and immunotherapy, in their Vienna, Virginia, office. Call the office or use the provided online booking feature to schedule your child's appointment.
Allergy Testing Q & A
How is an allergy test performed?
Your child's allergy testing and treatment should start with your pediatrician at Advanced Pediatrics, who may refer you to a pediatric allergy specialist for additional evaluations and treatments. There are several types of allergy tests:
Skin prick test
A tiny drop of an allergen will be placed on the skin and pricked with a needle. If your child is allergic, a swollen reddish bump will form with a ring around it. Advanced Pediatrics tests this type of allergy at any age after six months.
Patch test
If your child has had hives or rashes, allergy testing may determine if an allergen is causing skin irritation. A patch test doesn't require a needle and is similar to a skin test.
Intradermal test
A needle is used to inject a tiny amount of allergen under the skin of your child's arm. After approximately 15 minutes, the site is checked for allergic reactions and is often used to test for insect venom or penicillin allergies.
Blood test
Multiple blood tests are available for allergies used to measure antibodies in your child’s blood specific to different allergens, including foods. Multiple allergies can be tested with one blood draw, with no risk of allergic reactions.
Elimination diet
During an elimination diet, you eliminate food suspected of causing an allergic reaction or intolerance in your child, such as eggs, dairy products, or peanuts, for two to three weeks and monitor any symptoms.
If your child’s allergist gives the go-ahead, slowly reintroduce each food individually, keeping an eye out for reactions like changes in breathing or bowel habits, rashes, and trouble sleeping.
Food challenge test
If other allergy testing results are inconclusive, Advanced Pediatrics might use a food challenge test to determine if your child has an allergy or has outgrown one. These tests take place in the office or hospital due to the potential for adverse reactions.
What happens after allergy testing?
If an allergy has been determined, your child’s treatment plan can vary depending on the allergy but often includes over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and allergy shots (immunotherapy).
Allergy shots for treating respiratory allergies, cat and dog dander, dust mites, pollen, and molds can help decrease the need for daily medication. Shots are prescribed only for patients with confirmed allergies and may be recommended to reduce your child's allergy symptoms.
To learn more about allergy testing and schedule an appointment, call Advanced Pediatrics, or click the online booking link for help today.