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If you’re sneezing through spring or battling unexplained hives, allergy testing can be a game changer. It helps you move from guesswork to clear answers—so you can finally get relief.

At Southern Nevada Allergy, we help patients identify the root causes of their symptoms and create personalized treatment plans. But here’s the key: preparation matters. What you do in the days leading up to your test can impact how accurate your results are.

This guide walks you through what to expect, how to prep, and how to get the most accurate results from your allergy test.

What Is Allergy Testing?

Allergy testing identifies what substances (like pollen, pet dander, mold, or food) may be triggering your symptoms. It’s quick, safe, and highly effective—and your results help guide treatment options like medication, lifestyle changes, or allergy shots.

For allergy patients, selecting appropriate tests tailored to their specific sensitivities is crucial. These individuals may have sensitivities to multiple allergens but only a few specific triggers that cause actual symptoms. Accurate test interpretation, in relation to each patient’s medical history, is essential for effective diagnosis and management.

To work properly, your body needs to react naturally to the allergens used during testing. That’s why preparation is so important.

Types of Allergy Tests

At Southern Nevada Allergy, we understand that no two allergy journeys are alike. That’s why we offer a variety of testing methods tailored to your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. Our goal is to pinpoint what’s causing your discomfort as precisely—and as comfortably—as possible. Allergy skin tests are diagnostic procedures where the skin is exposed to allergens to identify potential allergies. Identifying common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and various foods is crucial for developing effective treatment plans. Here’s a quick overview of the different types of allergy tests we may recommend.

Skin Prick Testing (SPT)

This is the most commonly used allergy test, and for good reason—it’s quick, safe, and highly effective. Proper preparation is crucial for an accurate allergy skin test. During the test, a tiny drop of various allergens is placed on your skin—usually on your forearm or upper back. A gentle prick or scratch helps the allergen penetrate the skin’s surface. If you’re allergic, you’ll likely see a small, itchy bump appear within about 15 to 20 minutes—kind of like a mosquito bite. It’s a great option for identifying allergies to pollen, pet dander, mold, and some foods.

Intradermal Testing

When more sensitivity is needed—such as for insect stings or when skin prick results aren’t conclusive—your provider may recommend intradermal testing. This involves injecting a small amount of the allergen just under the skin. Intradermal tests provide deeper insights into the specific allergens causing a person’s symptoms, supporting accurate diagnoses during the testing process. It’s a bit more sensitive than a prick test, and it’s often used to confirm environmental or drug allergies.

Allergy skin testing is considered the gold standard for identifying specific allergies in conjunction with a patient’s medical history.

Patch Testing

If you’re experiencing chronic rashes or contact dermatitis, a patch test may be the way to go. This method checks for delayed allergic reactions to substances like fragrances, metals, or latex. Patches with tiny amounts of allergens are placed on your back and worn for 48 hours, then removed and reviewed by your provider. It’s especially helpful for identifying allergies related to skin contact. Proper care of the test area is crucial to avoid any skin irritation or sensitivity that could affect the accuracy of the test results.

Blood Testing (IgE Test)

For some patients, especially those who can’t stop taking antihistamines or who have certain skin conditions, blood allergy tests are a great alternative. These tests measure the levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your blood to determine what you may be allergic to. They are simple, safe, and don’t require your skin to react at all.

Allergy blood tests involve a single needle prick, take longer to provide results, and may yield false positives. There are potential risks associated with blood tests, such as pain or bleeding, while skin tests are often considered the gold standard for allergy diagnosis.

Each test plays a unique role in helping us solve your allergy puzzle. Your provider will choose the method—or combination of methods—that will give us the clearest picture of your specific sensitivities. You’ll never be left to figure it out alone—we’ll walk you through each step and help you understand the results.

Food Allergy Testing

Food allergy testing is a type of allergy test used to identify allergies and diagnose food allergies, which occur when the immune system overreacts to certain foods. The most common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy. Identifying these allergens is essential for managing food allergies and preventing severe allergic reactions.

Food allergy testing can be done using skin prick tests, blood tests, or oral food challenges. During a skin prick test, a small amount of the suspected food allergen is placed on the skin, and the skin is lightly punctured. If you are allergic, a small, itchy bump will appear at the test site. Blood tests measure the levels of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in your blood, providing valuable information about your immune system’s response to certain foods.

Oral food challenges involve consuming a small amount of the suspected allergen under medical supervision. This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing food allergies, as it provides direct evidence of how your body reacts to the food. It is essential to perform this test in a medical setting where emergency equipment and medication are available in case of a severe allergic reaction.

Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the best course of testing and treatment for food allergies. Based on the test results, your provider can develop an effective treatment plan, which may include avoiding the allergenic food, using medications to manage symptoms, or undergoing immunotherapy to reduce your sensitivity to the allergen.

Why Preparation Matters

Allergy testing works best when your body is free to react naturally. To prepare for an allergy test, it is crucial to stop taking allergy medications like antihistamines several days prior to the test to ensure accurate results. Additionally, consult with your healthcare provider regarding any concerns and the necessity of continuing asthma medication. Certain medications, skincare products, or even foods can interfere with test results—making reactions weaker or causing false negatives.

By following prep instructions, you’re helping your provider get the most accurate picture of your sensitivities. And accurate testing leads to better, more personalized treatment.

How to Prepare for Your Allergy Test

Avoid These Medications (Always Confirm with Your Doctor First):

• Antihistamines (Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra) and over-the-counter antihistamines
• Some antidepressants and heartburn medications
• Nasal sprays with antihistamines

Share Your Medical History

• Symptoms and when they started
• Known or suspected triggers
• Past allergy treatment
• Any family history of allergies or asthma
• Medications and supplements you’re taking

Skin Test Day Tips:

• Wear loose-fitting clothes (short sleeves are best)
• Don’t apply lotion, cream, or perfume to ensure the skin’s surface is clean and free from substances that could interfere with the allergy tests
• Stay cool—sweating can impact results

Food Allergy Prep:

If you’re being tested for food allergies, avoid “testing” yourself beforehand (no peanut butter challenges at home!) to prevent triggering any allergy symptoms. Your provider may also request you avoid certain foods before your appointment.

Blood Test Prep:

• Drink water to stay hydrated
• Follow any fasting instructions provided
• Wear a shirt with easy sleeve access
• Do not discontinue medications for chronic conditions such as high blood pressure without medical supervision, as it can be dangerous.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

We’ll walk you through the entire process, but here’s what a typical visit might include:

1. Check-In & Review – Your provider will go over your medical history, symptoms, and any medications you’re taking.
2. Testing Setup – Depending on the test, allergens will be applied to or injected under your skin, or a blood sample may be taken.
3. Reaction Time – For skin testing, we’ll monitor your skin for any bumps or redness over the next 15–20 minutes. If an allergic reaction occurs, symptoms such as redness, bumps, and mild allergy symptoms may develop at the test site. These tests are performed by healthcare providers to monitor potential severe reactions.
4. Result Review – Most skin test results are available same-day. Blood test results typically return within a few days.

We’ll review what your results mean and begin building your treatment plan.

After the Test

You may have some redness, itching, or watery eyes at the test site—this is normal and usually fades within a few hours. Cool compresses or anti-itch creams can help. You’ll also be told when you can resume any medications you paused for the test.

If you had a blood or patch test, we’ll follow up to review the results with you.

Next Steps: Personalized Care

Your results help us create a treatment plan tailored to your needs as allergy patients. This might include:

• Avoidance tips for known allergens
• Medications to manage symptoms
• Allergy immunotherapy (shots or drops)
• Ongoing support and follow-up to track progress

At Southern Nevada Allergy, we’re here to help you feel better—not just today, but long term.

Whether you’re adjusting your routine, planning meals, or prepping for allergy season, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.

Tips for Parents Preparing Kids

Testing can be nerve-wracking for little ones. Here are a few tips:

• Keep it simple. Tell them it’ll feel like a small tickle—not a shot.
• Bring entertainment. A tablet, book, or toy can be a welcome distraction.
• Plan a reward. A treat or activity afterward can turn the day into a win.

It’s also important to be prepared for a severe reaction, although rare, by ensuring that medical professionals are present and emergency medications are available.

Common Questions and Concerns

Can I take allergy medicine before the test?No, most allergy medications should be stopped 3–7 days beforehand because they can suppress allergic reactions, leading to inaccurate results. It is crucial to disclose all medications to your healthcare provider to ensure the validity of the allergy tests. Follow your provider’s exact instructions.

Will the test hurt? Not really. Skin testing feels more like a quick scratch or tickle than anything painful.

What if I can’t stop my medication? That’s okay—just let your provider know. A blood test may be a better option.

Is it safe during pregnancy? Generally, allergy testing is avoided during pregnancy unless medically necessary.

Getting Answers, Finding Relief: Let’s Take the Next Step Together

Preparing for allergy testing might seem minor—but it plays a big role in getting accurate results and finding lasting relief. Understanding the body’s response to allergens is crucial, as it helps identify how your immune system reacts to specific triggers and produces antibodies to combat them.

At Southern Nevada Allergy, we’re here to guide you through every step—from prep to personalized treatment. Whether it’s pollen, pets, or peanuts, we’ll help you find out what’s causing your symptoms—and how to take control.

Ready to schedule your allergy test? Contact us today.