What is Respiratory Allergy Testing?
Allergy testing helps identify specific triggers — such as house dust mites, pollen, mould, pet dander or cockroach — that may be driving allergic rhinitis or asthma. Depending on your situation, testing may involve skin prick tests or blood tests for specific IgE antibodies. Results are always interpreted together with your symptoms.
Why it is done
- Persistent or seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Asthma with suspected allergic triggers
- Planning targeted allergen avoidance
- Assessing suitability for allergen immunotherapy
Before the procedure
- Some antihistamines need to be stopped for several days before skin testing — you will be advised which
- Inform the team about all your medicines and any history of severe allergic reactions
During the procedure
- For skin prick testing, tiny drops of allergen extracts are placed on the forearm and the skin is gently pricked
- Reactions are read after about 15–20 minutes
- Blood tests require a simple blood sample
After the procedure
- Mild itching or redness at test sites usually settles within hours
- A personalised trigger-avoidance and treatment plan is discussed
Safety & risks
Allergy testing is generally safe. Skin testing can cause local itching and swelling; serious reactions are very rare, and testing is performed with appropriate precautions.
Preparation instructions may differ for individual patients — please follow the specific advice given at your consultation.