Allergy & Asthma Center of SW Washington

Skin Testing

Skin testing is the most reliable form of allergy testing. Because mast cells are located in high numbers just under the skin, results of skin testing has proven to be more accurate than blood testing in diagnosing allergies.

The Skin Test Procedure

The surface of your skin is injected or "scratched" with minute amounts of a number of specific allergens like mold spores, pollen, dust mites, and/or animal dander. When the results are positive, a small reaction on the skin occurs, usually within 30 minutes. A small bump may appear and there may be some itchiness. This indicates that you allergic to that specific trigger. If no bump appears, you do not have a reaction to that specific allergen.

Depending on the results of your skin test, your allergist will determine the best way to treat your allergy symptoms.