Dr Rebecca Werther will perform allergy testing herself during the consultation, if clinically relevant.
Please read the important information below prior to your child’s appointment.
What is allergy testing?
- Allergy testing, or skin-prick-testing, is used to identify the ‘likelihood’ of allergy to foods and environmental allergens. It does not correlate with severity of reactions.
- If allergy testing may be helpful, Rebecca will explain this to you during the appointment and will perform the relevant tests herself.
- Skin prick testing does not detect the cause of all allergic conditions.
How is skin prick testing performed?
- Skin prick testing involves small pricks of the skin using lancets, known as Quintips, which feels like small scratches.
- It can cause minor discomfort at the time but is generally fairly well tolerated. Young children will need to sit on the lap of a parent, with his/her back facing Rebecca.
- The test itself takes only 1-2 minutes to perform, with results ready after 15 minutes.
- Rebecca will then discuss the results and correlate them to the clinical history, with a copy of results provided for you to take home.
How to prepare for skin prick testing
- Please stop all oral antihistamines 5 days prior to the consultation.
- Patients do not have to stop nasal sprays or asthma medications.
- If anti-histamines cannot be stopped due to severe symptoms, please contact the practice to discuss options.
- Do not put any creams on your child’s back on the day of the appointment.
What to bring?
- If testing may be required for fresh fruit/vegetables, seafood or ‘unusual’ foods, please bring clearly labelled samples in separate containers.
- Rebecca has all common allergens, including cow’s milk, egg, sesame and nuts.
- If unsure, please call the clinic prior to clarify if samples are needed.