There are several ways to test for allergies. Most physicians have demonstrated that certain kinds of skin testing gives superior results than others. The Pasha Snoring & Sinus Center utilizes 2 techniques to accurately diagnose your allergies in the office:
Prick Testing: This test is typically used as a screening to determine only if you are allergic and takes only a few minutes. A series of allergens are placed on the forearm by gently scratching the surface of the skin. If you are allergic to a certain allergen, redness appears within a short period of time.
Intradermal Testing or Skin End-Point Titration (SET): SET testing takes more time but is much more sensitive than prick testing. A series of small injections using only small needles are placed just under the skin causing only mild discomfort. The test substance is placed on the arm (or back) in rows. If the small bumps enlarge in short period of time then it indicates that one is allergic.
Dr. Pasha does not believe that blood testing for allergies (RAST testing) is accurate or appropriate for proper allergy management.