Allergy Walk-In Clinic in Niagara Falls, NY
Allergy testing is important to understand what allergies and reactions you may have, and how to avoid or handle severe reactions. Niagara Falls Urgent Care Clinic conducts allergy testing. We are conveniently located at 3117 Military Road Suite 2, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Walk-ins are welcome! For more information, please contact us.
Table of Contents:
What kind of doctor do you see for allergy testing?
What are the 10 most common allergies?
How are allergy tests performed?
Is Allergy Testing usually covered by Insurance?
When our bodies come into contact with a harmful substance, such as a caustic chemical like bleach, it causes a reaction which tells us we should avoid these things in the future. However, sometimes our immune systems trigger a response to an innocuous substance, such as peanuts, milk or wheat, even though these things do not cause our bodies any real harm. This is known as an allergy, which is a hypersensitive reaction to a substance that does not normally cause a reaction in others. Fortunately, most allergies are not life-threatening, although they can potentially be cause for concern and induce a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis.
When thinking about where to go for allergy testing, most people first consider an allergist. While these professionals are clearly a good choice, they are often best utilized for more advanced cases of allergic reactions. As they are considered specialists, it may take longer to book an appointment, as well as cost more for the initial test. In most cases, patients can visit a pimary care or a walk- in clinic for an allergy test, such as those at Niagara Falls Urgent Care. Our medical doctors are experienced at providing allergy tests and can help you determine what is causing your reaction without breaking the bank.
The 10 most common allergies include:
• Foods, such as: milk; eggs; fish; shellfish; wheat; peanuts; tree nuts; and soy.
• Animals, including pet dander, from both cats and dogs
• Pollen, including from trees, plants, and grasses
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Medications, such as penicillin
• Latex
• Insect stings, including bee or wasp stings
• Perfumes
• Household chemicals
There are three main types of allergy tests and each one is performed differently. These include:
• Skin Prick Test — Also called a scratch test or puncture test, these tests check for immediate allergic reactions and can test as many as 50 different allergens at the same time. They use needles that barely penetrate the surface of the skin. It will not cause bleeding, and the sensation will not be more than a mild discomfort that will quickly abate.
• Skin Injection Test — These tests are performed by injecting a minute amount of an allergen into the skin, typically on the arm. After 15 minutes, the site is examined; positive results are characterized by a red or raised patch of skin.
• Patch Test — Instead of using needles, allergens are applied to patches which are then placed on the skin and left there for several minutes, and in some cases, several hours. Patch tests typically test for 20 to 30 allergens at a time, which are ruled out if no reaction occurs.
Regardless of which test is performed, in most cases, the allergens being tested are not random; they are typically compiled of possible allergens that are suspected to cause a reaction in the patient. However, there are also cases where the trigger is completely unknown, so the most common allergens are used, which may take a while to determine which substances are causing a reaction.
Yes, allergy testing is typically covered under most insurance plans and, depending on the policy, the cost may be entirely covered.
At Niagara Falls Urgent Care, we are dedicated to providing you with your entire allergy testing needs. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced providers of allergy tests and can help you determine what is causing your reactions. Contact us, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 3117 Military Road Suite 2, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. We serve patients from Niagara Falls NY, Lewiston NY, Sanborn NY, Walmore NY, Tonawanda NY, Sanborn NY, Model City NY, Youngstown NY, Ransomville NY, and Grand Island NY.
