Skin Testing
A skin test helps us diagnose allergies in children. In the most common type, we gently prick or scratch the skin with a device that’s coated with one or more substances. This is also called a skin prick test or scratch test. Other skin tests use a fine needle to inject a substance a little deeper under the skin.Â
Skin tests are given on the forearm or the back. Once the substance seeps into the skin, we watch for swelling. This can take several minutes. Our pediatric specialists are highly skilled in analyzing results.Â
After your child’s allergy skin test, we may recommend other tests to confirm a diagnosis, like a blood test or an oral (by mouth) food challenge. This information helps us create the best possible care plan so your child can get back to feeling well and doing the things they love.Â
Learn more about Skin Testing at the
A skin test helps us diagnose allergies in children. In the most common type, we gently prick or scratch the skin with a device that’s coated with one or more substances. This is also called a skin prick test or scratch test. Other skin tests use a fine needle to inject a substance a little deeper under the skin.Â
Skin tests are given on the forearm or the back. Once the substance seeps into the skin, we watch for swelling. This can take several minutes. Our pediatric specialists are highly skilled in analyzing results.Â
After your child’s allergy skin test, we may recommend other tests to confirm a diagnosis, like a blood test or an oral (by mouth) food challenge. This information helps us create the best possible care plan so your child can get back to feeling well and doing the things they love.Â
Learn more about Skin Testing at the
Related Specialties
Conditions & Treatments
Skin tests can help us diagnose several types of allergies. These can include:Â
- Drug allergies — medicines like penicillin and others, and vaccines Â
- Environmental allergies — pet or animal dander, dust, mold, pollens, dust mites and moreÂ
- Food allergies — certain foods like peanuts, eggs and cow’s milkÂ
- Stinging insect allergies — venom from wasps, bees, ants or yellow jacketsÂ