If there is no reaction, the dose may be slowly increased. Since challenge tests may induce severe allergic reactions, they are only done when absolutely necessary, and must be closely supervised by an allergist. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, along with many other medical associations, considers some allergy testing methods to be unacceptable in medical practice. Adults and children of any age can be tested for allergies. Because different allergens bother different people, your allergist will take your medical history to determine which test is the best for you.
Some medications can interfere with skin testing.
Antihistamines, in particular, can inhibit some of the skin test reactions. Use of antihistamines should be stopped one to several days prior to skin testing. Reasons for allergy testing To help you manage your allergy symptoms most effectively, your allergist must first determine what is causing your allergy. For instance, you don t have to get rid of your cat if you are allergic to dust mites but not cats, and you don t need to take medication all year if you have a seasonal allergy to ragweed. Allergy tests provide concrete information.