We are serving Longview, Texas area

Allergy Testing

Allergy Testing Center in Longview

Allergies can greatly impact our quality of life. From the stuffy nose and watery eyes of hay fever to more severe allergic reactions, understanding what you’re allergic to is the first step in managing symptoms and reducing exposure. Texas Primary Care Associates (TPCA) is at the forefront of providing comprehensive allergy testing to help patients navigate the world of allergens.

Why Allergy Testing?

  1. Determine the Cause: The primary goal of allergy testing is to determine what substances (allergens) are causing an allergic reaction.

  2. Develop a Treatment Plan: Once the allergens are identified, a personalized plan can be formulated, which might include allergen avoidance, medications, and possibly allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots).

  3. Improve Quality of Life: By pinpointing your specific allergens and understanding how to manage them, you can lead a life with fewer allergic flare-ups.

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Types of Allergy Tests

At Texas Primary Care Associates, patients might undergo one or more of the following tests:

  1. Skin Prick Test (SPT): This is the most common type of allergy test. Small amounts of suspected allergens are applied to your skin using a tiny device that looks like a small plastic toothpick. If you’re allergic to any of the substances, you’ll develop a raised bump or hive at the test location.
  2. Intradermal Test: This is used when the skin prick test does not yield a clear result. Small amounts of allergen are injected just beneath the skin’s surface.
  3. Blood Test: If skin tests are not possible due to certain conditions, a blood test can be used. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in your bloodstream.
  4. Patch Test: This is used to help identify substances that might cause contact dermatitis. Suspected allergens are applied via patches, which are then left on the skin for 48 hours.

After the Test

Once the results are in, we will walk you through the findings. Based on the results, they’ll guide you on how best to manage your allergies. This might involve lifestyle adjustments, prescriptions, or recommendations for other treatments.

Safety and Comfort

The team ensures that every test is conducted safely. While minor discomfort is possible with skin tests (akin to a mosquito bite), severe reactions are rare. Nonetheless, the team is well-equipped and trained to manage any adverse reactions.