Preparation for Allergy Testing

Your doctor has ordered allergy testing. The allergy department will contact you to schedule your appointment for testing. At that time your insurance benefits will be reviewed. Instructions will be given as to when you will need to discontinue taking certain medications. Our office tests for 38 environmental allergens specific for the Chicagoland area - pollens, dust mites, molds, cat, dog and cockroach. It is important that you inform the nurse if there are foods you avoid due reactions when eaten.

DON'Ts

• Do not take Claritin, Clarinex, Zyrtec, Xyzal, or Allegra (including generic versions) for 7 days prior to the allergy test.
• Do not take over-the-counter antihistamines (Benadryl, cold & sinus medications, sleep aids like Tylenol PM) for 3 days before the test. Periactin should not be taken up to 11 days prior to testing.
• Do not take medications such as Tagament, Pepcid, or Zantac for 2 days prior to testing, as these are a form of antihistamine.
• Do not use antihistamine nasal sprays (i.e. Azelastine, Astelin, Astepro, Patanase, Dymista, etc.) for 2 days prior to testing
• Do not take a tricyclic antidepressant medication. * Please inform the allergy nurse if you take these. These medications must be stopped 2 weeks prior to the allergy test with the permission of the prescribing physician. (Not all antidepressant medications are tricyclic).
• Do not take benzodiazepines for 7 days prior to testing
• Do not take a Beta-blocker medication. Please inform the allergy nurse if you do. Beta-blockers are medications used for treatment of high blood pressure, migraine headaches, heart problems, performance anxiety, or glaucoma (eye drops) and must be discontinued with the permission of the prescribing physician.

YOU HAVE TO CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN WHO PRESCRIBED ANY OF THE ABOVE MEDICATIONS REGARDING DISCONTINUING ANY OF THE ABOVE OR SWITCHING TO ANOTHER MEDICATION.

TAKING ANY OF THE ABOVE MEDICATIONS CAN ALTER YOUR ALLERGY TEST RESULTS, OR MAKE TESTING DANGEROUS! IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT A MEDICATION, PLEASE ASK THE NURSE PRIOR TO YOUR APPOINTMENT.

DO's

• You may continue to use steroid nasal sprays.
• It is not necessary to fast or be on a special diet for the test.
• You may bring a beverage and snacks on the day of the test.

SUMMARY

On the day of your test, the results will be reviewed, and you will receive a copy of your test results. All your medications can be resumed after testing (with the exception of Beta-blockers if you plan on starting allergy immunotherapy). After testing, you will have the option of receiving allergy injections or drops. If allergy treatment benefits you, the recommendation for treatment is a minimum of 3-5 years. You will be required to have your injections given in our office with a 30 minute wait time. Drops, however, are administered daily at home.

In an effort to make this test accessible for all of our patients, we appreciate a one- week notice for cancellation. Failure to cancel your appointment may result in a $75 administrative fee.