Allergy Testing in Corpus Christi, TX
Allergy testing is the essential diagnostic foundation for an effective, individualized allergy management plan. Knowing which specific allergens trigger your immune response allows for targeted environmental control, appropriate pharmacotherapy, and the design of a customized allergen immunotherapy program. At Corpus Christi ENT Sinus & Allergy, Dr. Todd M. Weiss and his team perform comprehensive allergy testing using standardized, evidence-based protocols.
Who Should Be Tested?
- Patients with chronic nasal congestion, sneezing, clear rhinorrhea, or postnasal drip lasting more than three months
- Patients with allergic rhinitis whose symptoms are not adequately controlled with standard pharmacotherapy
- Patients with recurrent or chronic sinusitis in whom allergy is suspected as a contributing factor
- Asthmatic patients in whom inhalant allergy may be driving or worsening respiratory symptoms
- Patients being evaluated for allergen immunotherapy testing is required to formulate the treatment extract
- Patients with allergic fungal sinusitis requiring fungal-specific testing
Skin Prick Testing (SPT)
The primary allergy testing method at our practice. Small drops of standardized allergen extracts are placed on the forearm or upper back. A sterile lancet lightly pricks through each drop, allowing a minute quantity to enter the superficial skin. A positive response a wheal (raised bump) and surrounding erythema appears within 15 to 20 minutes. Results are read against positive histamine and negative saline controls.
Our allergen panel is tailored to the South Texas region and includes regionally relevant trees (oak, cedar, pecan), grasses (Bermuda, Johnson), weeds (ragweed, pigweed, mountain cedar), dust mites, mold spores, cockroach, cat, and dog allergens.
Intradermal Testing
For allergens producing negative or equivocal skin prick results but remaining clinically suspected, intradermal testing provides additional sensitivity. A small amount of diluted allergen extract is injected into the superficial dermis and results are read at 15 to 20 minutes. Performed only in patients who have not experienced a systemic reaction to SPT.
Serum Allergen-Specific IgE Testing
Blood-based allergen testing (ImmunoCAP or similar) measures allergen-specific IgE antibody levels. Indicated when the patient has extensive skin disease precluding accurate SPT, cannot safely discontinue antihistamines, or has had a prior severe systemic reaction to skin testing.
Preparing for Your Allergy Test
- Discontinue oral antihistamines (cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine) for at least five to seven days prior
- Discontinue hydroxyzine (Vistaril/Atarax) for at least ten days prior
- Discontinue tricyclic antidepressants in consultation with your prescribing physician
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays, montelukast, and oral corticosteroids need not be discontinued
- Wear a short-sleeved shirt to facilitate testing on the forearm
Schedule an Appointment Today
If allergy symptoms are interfering with your daily life, testing is the first step toward targeted relief. Call us at (361) 320-6130 or connect with us online to schedule allergy testing.