Intradermal Skin Tests

Similar to skin prick testing, intradermal skin tests further evaluate the substances that could be causing an allergic reaction. Your doctor may recommend an intradermal skin test after initial skin prick testing, if necessary.

Procedure

Typically, the nurse will superficially inject the upper arm with a specific allergen to which the patient may be allergic.

Positive reactions on the skin testing are typically a red, itchy area with a raised center that may look like a mosquito bite. Skin testing on the arm is compared with negative (saline) and positive (histamine) controls to help gauge the intensity of the reaction.

Medications & Allergy Testing

The following medications may interfere with allergy testing and should be discontinued prior to the test procedure:

1. Antihistamines. Patients should not use many over-the-counter antihistamines, cold medications and sleeping aids such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), Chlor-Trimeton (chlorpheniramine), Tavist (clemastine), Robitussin Night Time andTylenol PM at least three days prior to the testing.

Additionally, patients should not use over-the-counter Claritin or Alavert (loratadine), Allegra (fexofenadine) along with Zyrtec (cetirizine) one week prior to skin testing.

Prescription antihistamines, such as Xyzal (levocetirizine) and Clarinex should also be stopped seven days prior to the skin testing. Astelin, Astepro and Patanase nasal spray should be stopped five to seven days prior to testing, but intranasal steroids may be continued.

2. Beta-blockers. Patients should not use beta-blockers when testing is planned. These drugs must not be discontinued without physician guidance, so it is extremely important to consult the allergist to design a discontinuation program if skin testing is required.

3. Antidepressants. Patients should discontinue the use of some antidepressants such as amitriptyline one week prior to skin testing. However, some of the newer antidepressant-type medications do not interfere. Please contact the office with the names of your medications to find out which antidepressants might interfere with allergy testing.

Please call the office for any questions on medications.