Skin Prick Testing

Skin prick testing is done to help identify potential allergens. Skin prick testing is usually conducted on the arm. If unable to test on the arm, the back may be used. Please dress appropriately so that we may have access to the arm or back for testing.

At the site of the prick you may develop an allergic reaction, like a mosquito bite, that will be itchy and red. This reaction is usually short lived and does not require any treatment. Rarely does skin testing lead to systemic reactions, i.e., sneezing, coughing and/or wheezing, but this is a possibility. If these reactions are identified, medications in our office will be used promptly to reverse your allergic response to testing.

Note that developing an allergic type skin reaction alone may NOT be indicative of allergy. All patients will be tested to our “controls” where we expect to see both a negative allergic response (to saline) and positive allergic response to histamine. Your history and physical examination when meeting with Dr. Ohayon is key in determining the medical relevance of your skin test responses.

WE OFFER SKIN PRICK TESTING TO VARIOUS ALLERGENS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: