Allergy Testing

Allergy Consulting is essential to your child’s medical care, and Advanced Pediatrics makes it easy to get your questions answered at the right times. The patient-focused private practice offers comprehensive medical care for children, from checkups and screenings to sick care, in their Vienna, Virginia, office. Call the office or use the provided online booking feature to schedule your child's appointment.

Allergy Consulting Q & A

How is an allergy test performed?

Your child's allergy evaluation should start with your pediatrician at Advanced Pediatrics, who may order in-house allergy testing or refer you to an allergy specialist for addional evaluation and treatment. There are several types of allergy tests:

Skin prick test

A tiny drop of an allergen will be placed on the skin and pricked with a needle. If your child is allergic, a swollen reddish bump will form with a ring around it. Advanced Pediatrics tests this type of allergy at any age after six months.

Blood test

Multiple blood tests are available for allergies used to measure antibodies in your child’s blood specific to different allergens, including foods. Multiple allergies can be tested with one blood draw, with no risk of allergic reactions.

Elimination diet

During an elimination diet, you eliminate food suspected of causing an allergic reaction or intolerance in your child, such as eggs, dairy products, or peanuts, for two to three weeks and monitor any symptoms.

If your child’s allergist gives the go-ahead, slowly reintroduce each food individually, keeping an eye out for reactions like changes in breathing or bowel habits, rashes, and trouble sleeping.

What happens after allergy testing?

If an allergy has been determined, your child’s treatment plan can vary depending on the allergy but often includes over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications.

Please call the office to learn more about an allergy consultation or to schedule an appointment.