Allergy Testing & Treatment
Summary of allergy testing and treatment options
How long does an allergy test take?
Your allergy test appointment will take approximately 30-60 minutes. Once the test has been administered it takes about 15 minutes for positive results to appear.
Who can be tested?
Children over the age of two can be tested in our allergy centers. This is an especially helpful diagnostic tool for patients who suffer with allergic asthma, allergic bronchitis, allergic conjunctivitis, chronic cough, atopic dermatitis, insect allergy, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, urticaria (hives) and angioedema (swelling that affects deeper layers of the skin).
For which allergens will I be tested?
You will be tested for 54 allergens specific to our geographical location, both seasonal and perennial. We test for trees, grasses, weeds, animals and insects. We do not test for stinging insect-related allergies.
Are the allergy test and treatment covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans will cover allergy testing and subcutaneous immunotherapy treatment (allergy shots). Sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) is not covered by most insurance plans. Your insurance policies will be verified prior to testing.
How is an allergy test performed?
The gold standard of allergy testing, the skin prick test, is non-invasive and not painful. The testing device gently abrades the skin’s surface with the allergens being tested for, results develop in about 15 minutes. A positive test will appear as a raised, red bump on the skin, similar to a mosquito bite.
Is allergy immunotherapy effective for children?
Yes, in addition to providing long-term relief up to 85% of the time, allergen immunotherapy has been shown to prevent the development of allergic asthma.
Allergy Shots or Allergy Drops – What’s Best For You?
You have options when it comes to how you pursue allergen immunotherapy treatment: allergy shots (otherwise known as subcutaneous immunotherapy) and allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy). By selecting the option that best suits you, you give yourself the best chance at a compliant, successful treatment.
While both allergy shots and allergy drops can be safely self-administered and both offer the same long-term relief, it’s important for you to find the choice that best fits your preferences and lifestyle. That said, which method is best for you will depend on which factors you value more. Please consult with your primary physician.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Allergy Shots* |
Allergy Drops** |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection | Drops under the tongue | |
| Frequency | Every other day and, eventually, twice weekly | Daily | |
| FDA-Approved? | Yes | No | |
| Storage | Refrigeration | Room temperature: no refrigeration needed | |
| Office Visits, Year 1 | 9 | Minimum of 3 | |
| Covered by Insurance? | Yes, by most | No | |
| Symptom Improvement | 6-12 months | 3-6 months | |
| Treatment Scope | Up to 20 allergens | Up to 10 allergens | |
| Common Side Effects | Red, itchy wheal at site of injection | Oral itching and/or swelling | |
* Based on our proprietary allergy shots protocol
**Based on the Allergy Allay Drops® protocol