Allergy Testing

Eastside Medical Associates Amy Lichtenfeld, MD Our Services Allergy Testing

Eastside Medical Associates

Amy Lichtenfeld, MD

Board Certified Allergist-Immunologist & Internist located in Manhattan, New York, NY

If you’re among the 50 million people who suffer from allergies, accurate allergy testing at Eastside Medical Associates is your first step toward treatment. Upper East Side, New York City allergist-immunologist and internal medicine physician Dr. Amy Lichtenfeld, provides her patients — from teenagers to mature adults — with allergy testing and shots. For allergy relief, call or book an appointment online.

Allergy Testing Q & A

What are the different types of allergy tests?

Dr. Lichtenfeld stays current on the most advanced tests and treatments in the field of allergy-immunology. Depending on your needs, she may recommend one of the following allergy tests:

Skin testing

During an allergy skin test, Dr. Lichtenfeld places a small amount of a suspected allergen on your skin, usually on the forearm or back. Then, she gently pricks the skin surface. In about 20 minutes, redness and swelling could occur, indicating you’re allergic to that substance.

Skin testing can check for allergies to several substances at once. Dr. Lichtenfeld may create a small grid of up to 40 different allergen spots on your back or forearm. Only the spots that react mean you have an allergy.

Another method of skin testing involves injecting a small amount of allergen into your skin. Dr. Lichtenfeld may do this to test for insect venom or penicillin allergies.

Even though skin testing involves exposure to an allergen, it’s completely safe and Dr. Lichtenfeld monitors your response the entire time.

RAST blood testing

If skin testing isn’t possible, Dr. Lichtenfeld may take a small blood sample to send to a lab for analysis. Though this type of testing can take up to several days to deliver results, it may be a better option for certain conditions, such as for a patient with severe eczema.

Why would I need allergy testing?

Dr. Lichtenfeld may perform allergy testing if you have any of the following conditions:

  • Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
  • Asthma
  • Eczema
  • Hives
  • Food allergies
  • Insect sting allergies

Allergy testing can reveal the triggers that cause your allergic reactions, including foods, drugs, and environmental factors like pollen.

What is the next step after allergy testing?

Once she discovers the source of your allergy symptoms, Dr. Lichtenfeld develops an individualized treatment plan. Depending on your specific condition, this may include:

  • Avoiding known allergens
  • Immunotherapy treatment (allergy shots)
  • Individualized medication management

Allergy shots involve injecting controlled amounts of specific allergens into your body in increasing doses. Over time, this causes your immune system to become less sensitive to the allergen, reducing the allergic reaction.

If you’re ready to overcome your allergies, call Dr. Amy Lichtenfeld or book an appointment online.

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