• Immunotherapy
• Spirometry
• eNO
• Exercise Tolerance Testing
• Peak Flow Monitoring
• Allergy Skin Testing
• Skin Prick Test
• Intradermal Skin Tests
• Venom Testing
• Patch Testing
• Food Skin Testing
• Food Challenges
• Drug Sensitivity Testing
• Pulse Oximetry
• Patient Education
• Important Information

Patch Testing

Patch testing is an allergy test designed to determine if a patient is allergic to a particular topical substance (cosmetics, metals, etc.) Patch testing is a procedure typically performed over a period of several days.

The back is wiped off with alcohol and the patches, which are a series of stickers containing certain substances to which a patient may be allergic, are placed in the center of the back. The patches remain on the back for the next 48 hours. The area needs to be kept dry for this whole time. After 48 hours, the patches are removed and the first reading of the test is performed at that time.

After an additional 48 hours, the final reading of the test is performed. The interpretation of the final result will help guide which substance may be a source of a skin sensitivity and avoidance is discussed. It is unnecessary to stop oral antihistamines for this procedure, but the patient must discontinue any type of oral steroids, including prednisone.