What happens at allergy testing?

[purr]

Just made an appt to get tested for allergies. If anyone has gone through this what happens? They said my 1st appt will be about an hour and a half.

[commander bunnypants]

1. lots of scratch tests

and itching

Good Luck

CB

[purr]

scratch tests???

sounds painful!

[LostinVA]

4. Not at all -- but will be itchy

Usually can't shower for two-three days, and the tape and reactions will itch and drive you nutso! But, do not scratch, wet, or remove the tape! Scratching between the tape will help you psychologolly... a little.

Some still use the scratch tests, some allergists use the above method. Neither hurts, imo.

[underpants]

6. Oh I forgot about that

Yep no showering for a couple of days and the tape is just maddeningly tempting.

[underpants]

2. The essay is a BITCH!

See post above. They used to prick you with about 50 (it seemed like) different things in a rectangle on your forearm then you just sit there and itch and don't scratch.

[purr]

3. omg

:scared: does it hurt?

[underpants]

5. Little pin pricks

I don't remember that it hurt a lot but I have always had a high tolerance for pain. The sitting there and not itching was horrible. If it is your kid be ready to be comforting and stern at the same time. If it is so you get ready to have a sucky couple of hours.

[Debbi801]

7. It depends on the allergist, mine doesn't do it as others described...

He uses something similar to a plastic comb and presses the teeth into my forearm. Each "tooth" has a different allergen on it. Then, I sit there for a while and they see what gives me a reaction. Only once has he also used a needle to inject allergens right under the skin.

The itchies are pretty bad, though.

Good luck!

[XemaSab]

8. It's sort of like a cross between a prostate exam

and Abu Ghraib.

:scared:

[NYdemocrat089]

9. They give you a couple dozen little pricks on your back.

After a certain ammount of time you get red spots, and the larger the spot the more allergic you are to that particular item. It doesn't hurt at all. It just itches.