Allergy Testing in New Jersey
Symptoms of allergies occur when our immune system overreacts to allergens, causing things like excessive sneezing, watery eyes, nasal and sinus congestion, and more. Allergy testing is used to determine what exactly you are allergic to so you can start to feel relief from those symptoms. Performed by a trained allergist, our allergy testing services can diagnose a variety of conditions such as:
- Hay fever
- Allergic asthma
- Allergic dermatitis
- Food allergy
- Bee venom allergy
Living with allergies can seriously impact your daily life, causing you to miss out on important things like work, school, and social activities. Take control of your health when you receive an allergy test at Vanguard Medical Group today. With 24/7 access to resources such as our Patient Portal, you can feel confident that you are getting the care you need.
How Are Allergy Tests Performed?
When you come in for your appointment, you will first meet with an allergist so we can get to know you, your history, lifestyle, and previous medical conditions. We may ask that you stop taking certain medications as they can interfere with testing. We offer different methods of allergy testing, including:
Skin Test
A skin test will begin by prepping your forearm or back. The allergist will place different liquid allergens on the skin using a tool that lightly scratches the surface of your skin. If the allergist sees any redness or swelling, it will be measured and noted, and you are likely allergic to that substance. Sometimes, a second allergy skin test is performed where the allergen is placed under the skin and again looking for any local redness, swelling or itching. Allergy skin testing takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to perform.
Blood Test
Sometimes patients are unable to undergo skin testing and then an allergy blood test can be used. In this case, a sample of your blood is used to look for the presence of allergy antibodies. Results can take up to several days to return, and your doctor will discuss them with you.
Learn More about Allergy Testing at Vanguard Medical Group
At Vanguard Medical Group, patients work with our allergists to create a treatment plan that’s tailored to their unique situation, preferences, and lifestyle. With our allergy, asthma, and immunology services, we will help you manage your allergy symptoms for long-lasting relief. If you’re in the New Jersey area looking to diagnose the cause of your allergies, get tested for allergies at Vanguard Medical Group. Contact us today to request an appointment.