Procedures & Evaluations

In the Allergy and Immunology outpatient clinic, we provide a variety of evaluations to diagnose and manage different conditions.

Our approach is personalized, and we collaborate closely with each patient to create effective treatment plans.

Here are some common procedures we offer.

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Allergy Skin Testing:

  • Skin tests help identify specific allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander) that trigger allergic reactions.
  • These tests are essential for diagnosing allergic rhinitis, food allergies, and insect allergies.

Patch Testing:

  • Patch testing is used to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis. Small disks or chambers containing various chemicals are applied to the skin for several days.
  • It helps determine the cause of skin reactions due to contact with substances like metals, fragrances, or preservatives.

Spirometry:

  • Spirometry assesses lung function by measuring how much air you inhale, exhale, and the speed of exhalation.
  • It aids in diagnosing and managing conditions such as asthma.

FeNO Test (Exhaled Nitric Oxide Testing):

  • The FeNO test measures inflammation in the lungs by assessing nitric oxide levels.
  • It is particularly useful for monitoring asthma and assessing airway inflammation.

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots):

  • Allergen immunotherapy gradually desensitizes the immune system to specific allergens.
  • It’s an effective long-term treatment for allergic conditions.

Drug Desensitization:

  • For patients with drug allergies, desensitization protocols allow safe administration of medications they are allergic to.
  • This is crucial for managing conditions like aspirin sensitivity syndromes.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg) Administration:

  • IVIg provides antibodies to boost the immune system and is used to treat immunodeficiency disorders.

Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin Therapy (SCIg)

  • A method of treatment commonly used for patients with immunodeficiency which involves injecting immunoglobulins into the fatty tissue under the skin—usually in the abdomen or thighs.

Challenge Procedures; including office-based oral food and medication challenges.

  • Challenge tests are used to confirm or rule out allergies.
  • For example, a food challenge involves ingesting a very small amount of a suspected allergen under medical supervision followed by incremental increasing amounts in a safe and controlled manner and environment.
  • These procedures help determine if a patient is truly allergic to a specific substance.