Allergy Testing in St. Louis, Missouri

Skin Testing

Skin testing is the primary diagnostic technique for many types of allergies including allergic rhinitis, food allergies, allergic asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, drug allergies, and insect allergies. Skin testing is preferred because it can be done right here in the office, provides fast results, and is generally inexpensive. Skin prick / puncture testing is often the initial testing method, and intradermal testing may be used as a follow up method if a false negative is suspected from the prick / puncture test. Patch testing is the third skin testing method that’s useful for evaluating multiple allergens simultaneously and detecting the source of delayed skin reactions. The allergy skin testing methods available in St. Louis by Dr. Cajigal are listed below.

Note: If you have an upcoming skin test, be sure to discontinue antihistamines for 5 days prior to your visit with St. Louis Family Allergy. Decongestants without antihistamines may be taken. Please contact our office if you have any questions.

Prick / Puncture Test

Intradermal Test

Patch Test

in St. Louis, Missouri

Blood Testing

Blood tests can help identify allergies to foods, pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites, medicines, and insect stings. Blood tests are typically used when a skin test reaction is considered too risky or when a skin test result must be confirmed due to a suspected false positive or false negative. Blood tests measure the immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels in the blood, which are elevated after an allergic reaction. If allergy blood testing is required, it is an option at St. Louis Family Allergy.

Blood tests may be the primary test of choice for you if:

• Dr. Cajigal suspects that skin testing may cause you to have a severe allergic reaction.
• Skin testing is too risky due to a medication that you’re taking that interferes with skin testing.
• Your skin is easily irritated as a result of a severe skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Spirometry (Lung Function)

Spirometry is a common test used to understand lung function in individuals with asthma. A spirometer is a small instrument that measures how much air you can breathe in and out. During spirometry testing, you inhale deeply and exhale as forcefully and quickly as possible over several trials while the spirometer records your lung function. Spirometry is used both as an initial diagnostic and during routine visits to your allergist to monitor how well different asthma treatments are working.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Food Challenges

The food challenge is a common method for allergists to hone in on what foods you’re allergic to. During a food challenge allergy testing appointment in St. Louis, Dr. Cajigal will prepare small samples of common food allergens based on your experience with food reactions, and have you consume them one by one under medical supervision to see if any of the foods cause an allergic reaction.

Another food allergy detection technique is the elimination diet, where your allergist will ask you to temporarily eliminate specific foods from your diet that are suspected allergens for 2 to 4 weeks. If your allergic symptoms disappear during this time, it is likely that one or more of the eliminated foods was the allergen.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Drug Challenges

Nasal Provocation Testing

Nasal provocation testing is a useful test to determine if you have allergic rhinitis or an allergy to certain types of pollen. Nasal provocation testing consists of applying different allergens to the mucous lining of the nose and observing how allergy symptoms develop, such as sneezing and watery eyes. Provocation testing is often reserved for when skin testing is negative or inconclusive, but symptoms are consistent with allergic rhinitis.

We hope you’ve found this information helpful. If you are in search for allergy testing in St. Louis, get in touch with us at St. Louis Family Allergy to learn more about allergy testing! We’re looking forward to your visit.

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