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allergy-asthma

Where to Get Allergy Testing Near You

Allergy testing is performed at allergist and immunologist offices. Skin prick testing — the most common and informative method — takes about an hour in-office. Specific IgE blood panels can be ordered by any clinician and drawn at a lab. An allergist is the recommended starting point for a thorough allergy evaluation.

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Where can I get allergy testing done?

The most comprehensive allergy testing is performed by a board-certified allergist/immunologist. They can perform skin testing and interpret results in the context of your full allergy history. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) maintains an online physician-finder tool at allergist.aaaai.org/find that lets you search for board-certified specialists by zip code 1.

Other options:

  • Your primary care clinician can order a blood-based allergy panel (specific IgE test, sometimes called a RAST or ImmunoCAP test) through any commercial lab. This is convenient but is generally less sensitive than skin prick testing for several common allergens 2.
  • Some urgent care and health system clinics offer basic allergy blood panels, but full skin testing is typically only available at allergy practices.
  • At-home allergy test kits are available direct-to-consumer. These measure allergen-specific IgE from a finger-stick sample but are not a substitute for a clinical evaluation and may not test for all clinically relevant allergens.

What is the difference between skin prick testing and a blood test?

Skin prick testing (SPT): Small amounts of allergen extracts are placed on the forearm or back, and the skin is lightly pricked through each drop. Results are read 15–20 minutes later based on wheal (raised bump) size. SPT is fast, inexpensive, and considered the first-line diagnostic method for most common environmental and food allergens 2.

Specific IgE blood test (serum allergy panel): A blood sample is tested in a laboratory for antibodies to individual allergens. Results take a few days. Blood testing is preferred when skin testing is not practical — for example, if you have severe eczema covering most of the skin, cannot stop antihistamines, or have had a very severe prior anaphylaxis that makes skin testing riskier 2.

Both tests measure IgE-mediated sensitization and are considered the only methods recommended by national and global practice parameters. Your allergist will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your clinical situation 2.

How do I prepare for allergy skin testing?

The most important preparation step is stopping antihistamines beforehand. Most antihistamines — including cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), fexofenadine (Allegra), and diphenhydramine (Benadryl) — need to be stopped 3–7 days before testing because they suppress the skin reaction and can produce false-negative results 2. Your allergist's office will give you specific instructions for your medications.

Certain antidepressants and heartburn medications may also need to be paused. Your clinician will review your full medication list when you book the appointment.

You can generally eat and drink normally before skin testing. Wearing a short-sleeved shirt provides easy forearm access on the day of testing.

How do I find an allergist for testing near me?

A few practical steps:

1. Check your insurance directory under "Allergy and Immunology" — confirm the specialist is in-network and accepting new patients. 2. Ask your primary care clinician for a referral — especially if your insurance is HMO-based or if you want your records coordinated. 3. Use the AAAAI allergist finder at allergist.aaaai.org/find to identify board-certified specialists by zip code 1.

Gale's primary care clinicians can order a blood-based allergy panel right away and refer you to an allergist if a more comprehensive skin test evaluation is warranted.

Common questions

Does allergy testing hurt?

Skin prick testing causes mild, brief discomfort — a light scratch, not a needle injection. Positive reactions cause a localized itchy bump that fades within an hour. Most adults and children tolerate the test well.

How long does allergy testing take?

A skin prick test panel is read in about 15–20 minutes after placement. The whole visit, including history-taking, testing, and results discussion, typically takes 60–90 minutes for a first appointment.

Can my primary care doctor order an allergy blood test?

Yes. A specific IgE panel can be ordered by any licensed clinician and drawn at a standard lab. It is a reasonable first step for straightforward cases. An allergist visit adds skin testing, a more detailed history, and direct guidance on treatment options including immunotherapy.

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Gale can match you with a licensed clinician for a visit.

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Safety notes for allergy testing

  • —History of severe anaphylaxis — tell your allergist before skin testing; they may prefer blood testing
  • —Current use of beta-blockers, which can complicate treatment of a reaction during testing
  • —Uncontrolled asthma — testing should be deferred until asthma is stable

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for evaluation by a licensed clinician. Allergy test results must be interpreted alongside a full clinical history.

References

  1. 1.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) (2024). Find an Allergist / Immunologist. AAAAI Patient Resources. link ✓AAAAI's publicly available tool for locating board-certified allergist/immunologists by zip code; FAAAAI fellowship designation indicates recognized specialist status
  2. 2.American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) (2023). Allergy Testing. AAAAI Conditions Library. link ✓Skin prick testing as first-line diagnostic method; blood (IgE) testing as preferred alternative when skin testing is not practical; antihistamine washout requirements before skin testing
  3. 3.Kwong KY, Lu YZ (2023). Cost of Serum Versus Skin Allergy Testing Among Medicare Fee-for-Service Beneficiaries in the United States. Journal of Health Economics and Outcomes Research. doi:10.36469/001c.77482 ✓Serum specific IgE (blood) testing is associated with lower per-beneficiary costs ($161 vs $247) and fewer specialist visits than skin prick testing; both methods recommended by national practice parameters

3 sources, numbered by first appearance. General health information, not medical advice — synthetic demonstration content.