You have got an appointment for allergy tests. These tests will help to establish whether or not you are allergic, and if so, what substances you are allergic to. Please report timely for your appointment at the reception desk in the Dermatology outpatient clinic.
Questions?
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In case of emergency, you can call (020) 566 7792 (ma-vr 08.30 -16.15 uur)
How to prepare for allergy tests
- Stop taking antihistamines (tablets against hay fever or itch) at least 3 days before the test date.
- Do not expose your back to the sun or use a sun bed, at least for 2 weeks before the test date.
- Prior to the examination, please have breakfast or lunch as usual.
- Please bring any cosmetics and medication you are currently using, or you were using before or during the time your skin complaints started, at the test date.•
- Please do not use creams or ointments containing corticosteroids on your back, a week before the test date.
- Please contact the Allergy/Occupational Dermatology outpatient clinic (telefoon 020 566 7792) if you have to take corticosteroids (i.e. prednisone or dexamethasone) or any other immunosuppressive medication. Exposure to ultraviolet light and the above mentioned ointments and medication, can influence the test results.
- If there is any possibility that you may be pregnant, please notify us.
The testing procedure
Prior to the examination, you have a telephone intake with the doctor about 2 weeks in advance. In this conversation, the doctor will ask you about contacts with substances and circumstances that may be important for your complaints. Based on this, the allergological examination is carried out. There are different types of allergological examination:
Patcht test (or epicutaneous allergy tests)
Skin prick tests (or intracutaneous allergy tests
Patch tests (or epicutaneous allergy tests) used to detect contact allergies.
Contact allergies can cause allergic contact dermatitis ("eczema") and can occur on direct contact sites or upon airborne or systemic exposure. Patch testing is a very safe way to detect contact sensitization and can also be performed during pregnancy. Patch testing will be conducted on your back. If you are allergic to any of the test materials, small itchy areas of eczema will occur on the respective test sites (a positive reaction). However, sometimes also general skin irritation or itching can occur. Also, your eczema can become worse during testing. It is important to inform the specialist or nursing staff in this case.
- Standard test materials from the "European baseline series". This series contains the most frequently contact allergens.
- Standard test materials from supplementary test series containing certain groups ofcontact allergens.
- Own contact materials that are suspect in your particular case, taking into account yourwork, hobbies, skin care products, clothes other types of exposure and the localization of your complaints. You may be asked to hand in your own materials so that they can be specially prepared for testing.
On day 3 the plasters will be removed from your back, test sites will be marked and
skin reactions are recorded for the first time. The marking ink may cause stains: you are
therefore advised to wear an old (T-) shirt or vest, to prevent inadvertent staining of your
clothes. For certain allergens the plasters have already to be removed on day 2: you will be
informed if necessary. Directly before your appointments, please do not lean back against
the back of the chair as this can hinder test readings.
On day 4 your back will be re-examined and all test results will be discussed with you. Most
likely you will be asked to come for a final examination of your back on the next Monday
afternoon. This is necessary since some test materials take longer to develop a positive
reaction. In case of new reactions, they will be discussed with you, too.
Your back must stay dry during the test week. The ink markings must stay visible until the
last examination. To make sure the patch tests and plasters keep sticking to your back,
please avoid activities during which you bend your back a lot or which cause you to sweat
heavily. Also, showering is limited to rinsing yourself by holding the shower head in your
hand, making sure your back stays dry. If the plasters start to detach (start to curl) you can
fix them with an extra piece of tape or plaster.
Skin prick tests (or intracutaneous allergy tests) used to detect immediate type allergies.
Immediate type allergies can mainly cause hay fever, airway problems and gastro- intestinal
complaints, but can also cause eczema or drug allergy. Usually these test materials are put
as droplets directly on the skin of your forearm. A sterile skin prick test needle is used to
puncture superficially the skin going through these droplets. Own materials are tested in
a similar manner. For certain allergens, superficial scratches in the skin are needed onto
which the test materials are applied. Also these tests are hardly painful, but in particular
children might be scared. Positive skin test reactions look and feel like mosquito bites.
Already after 10-15 minutes reactions will be read.
The prick tests are usually carried out on a Wednesday or a Thursday. During testing you
will be asked to stay at the department. If you experience any discomfort or feel strange do
not hesitate to contact the (para)medical staff.