How to Prepare for Allergy Testing

If an appointment has been made for you for an intradermal or modified quantitative skin test, please follow the instructions below: 

1. Certain medications should not be taken before this test is performed.

   • Anithistamines must be stopped three days before your skin testing.
   • Sleeping medication: All over-the-counter sleeping medications have antihistamines and must be stopped one week before skin testing.
   • Tricyclic antidepressants must be stopped two to four days before your skin testing. 
   • If you are taking certain heart medications (beta blockers) you may not be eligible for skin allergy testing.

2. If you are running a fever or have an attack of hay fever or asthma, testing should be delayed.

3. If you cannot keep the appointment, please notify our office at least two days in advance.

4. Do not change your diet before the test.

5. Make sure you eat breakfast before coming for a morning appointment and lunch
   before an afternoon appointment.

6. Please wear short-sleeved or sleeveless apparel.

7. It's a good idea to bring something to pass the time between testing. The testing session can take between 1-1.5 hours - depending on the number of tests required.

8. If an unusual symptom, such as sneezing, coughing, itching, hives, or asthma occurs after the allergy testing, please call our office at 216-778-5791 or 216-778-5832. If calling after business hours, the answering service will notify your physician.

9. If nasal congestion is a problem after stopping your antihistamine for skin testing, your physician may allow usage of Sudafed and steroid nose spray until your skin testing is completed. Contact your physician for more information.

10. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.