Allergy Testing

Allergy testing provides a safe and effective way to identify allergens, like pollen, dust, and pet dander. It can help guide treatment if you have symptoms like a runny nose, watery eyes, or itchy skin. At Stone Creek Family Medicine in Montgomery, Texas, Jeremy McWilliams, DO, Ginger McMillian, FNP-C, Courtney Groves, FNP-C, and the team offer in-house skin-scratch allergy testing to people of all ages. Call Stone Creek Family Medicine today to schedule an allergy testing appointment.

I have itchy skin. Should I undergo allergy testing?

Yes. Allergy testing is a group of minimally invasive procedures that assess your immune system’s response to specific substances (allergens). 

Allergens are things in the environment, like mold or animal hair. When you’re exposed to them, your immune system overreacts and produces special proteins called immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies. These antibodies release chemicals into your bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction.

Allergy testing at Stone Creek Family Medicine can identify your unique triggers and prevent allergy-related complications.

Who should consider allergy testing?

Consider allergy testing at Stone Creek Family Medicine if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Skin symptoms, like hives or itching
• Lightheadedness
• Facial swelling

Sometimes, allergies cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.

What are the types of allergy testing?

Stone Creek Family Medicine offers several types of allergy testing, including:

In-house skin scratch test

During a skin scratch test, your provider exposes a patch of skin on your back or forearm to between 10-50 potential allergens. If you’re allergic to any of the substances, you develop a rash or welts. 

Blood (IgE) test

For an IgE test, your Stone Creek Family Medicine provider collects a blood sample and sends it to a nearby lab for analysis. A sample that contains higher-than-average IgE levels, indicates an allergy.

Does allergy testing require any special preparation?

If you use allergy medication, like antihistamines, stop taking them 3-4 days before your allergy testing appointment. These drugs affect how your immune system responds to allergens, so they can affect your results if they’re still in your system.

What if my allergy test is positive?

If your allergy test comes back positive, the Stone Creek Family Medicine team develops a personalized treatment plan. They might recommend:

• Immunotherapy (allergy shots or allergy drops)
• Minimizing exposure to allergens (avoidance)
• Taking daily allergy medication
• Carrying a medical alert card (to let others know about your allergy)

The team might prescribe an epinephrine injection (EpiPen) if you have severe allergies. This life-saving medication can prevent a deadly allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

Call Stone Creek Family Medicine today to schedule an allergy testing appointment.