We test for environmental & food allergy.
A skin prick test, also called a puncture or scratch test, checks for immediate allergic reactions to as many as 50 different substances at once. This test is usually done to identify allergies to pollen, mold, pet dander, dust mites and foods. In adults, the test is usually done on the forearm. Children may be tested on the upper back.
Allergy skin tests aren’t painful. This type of testing uses needles (lancets) that barely penetrate the skin’s surface. You won’t bleed or feel more than mild, momentary discomfort. After cleaning the test site with alcohol, the nurse draws small marks on your skin and applies a drop of allergen extract next to each mark. A lancet is used to prick the extracts into the skin’s surface. A new lancet is used for each allergen.
To see if your skin is reacting normally, two additional substances are scratched into your skin’s surface:
About 15 minutes after the skin pricks, the nurse observes your skin for signs of allergic reactions. If you are allergic to one of the substances tested, you’ll develop a raised, red, itchy bump (wheal) that may look like a mosquito bite. The nurse will then measure the bump’s size and record the results.
Allergen immunotherapy is the repeated administration of allergen extracts to people who have known allergies in order to provide long-term relief of symptoms and improvement in quality of life during subsequent natural allergen exposure.
Allergy shots also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are the most commonly used and most effective form of allergy immunotherapy. This is the only treatment available that actually changes the immune system, making it possible to prevent the development of new allergies and asthma.
Allergy tablets are a form of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) that offer a way to treat certain allergies without shots. Like shots, tablets reduce symptoms by helping the body build resistance to the effects of an allergen. Unlike shots, tablets only treat one type of allergen and do not prevent the development of new allergies and asthma.
Allergy drops are another form of SLIT and work the same way as tablets. Drops are widely accepted and used in many countries around the world.
It is often not easy for a doctor to make a diagnosis of asthma, as symptoms often come and go. That’s why you should always talk with a doctor preferably an allergist or pulmonologist – who is familiar with asthma diagnosis and treatment guidelines.To determine whether asthma or some other cause is responsible for your symptoms, your doctor will use your family and symptom history; a physical exam and medical tests.
If signs begin to point to asthma, your doctor may use a computerized device called a spirometer to check how well your lungs are working. Spirometry is a type of pulmonary function test. You’ll be asked to take a deep breath in and then breathe out as hard as you can into the machine. The spirometer shows the amount of air you are able to breathe in and out and how fast you did it over a certain time period. If your airways are inflamed and narrowed, or if the muscles around your airways tighten up, the results will show it.
Immediate allergic reactions to penicillins typically occur quickly (less than an hour) after receiving a dose of the medication, and often occur in patients who have tolerated previous courses of penicillin without issue. Symptoms frequently involve the skin and include:
Treatment of these reactions usually involves an antihistamine and sometimes an oral or injected corticosteroid.
In rare cases, more serious reactions that suggest anaphylaxis can occur, including the following:
These symptoms require immediate treatment with epinephrine, which can be given with an autoinjector if available, and/or at the nearest emergency room or by calling Emergency Medical Services. Additional treatments may include albuterol to treat respiratory symptoms, IV fluids, and corticosteroids.
Penicillin allergy can be evaluated by an allergist / immunologist, who will obtain a careful history and perform skin testing.
This test involves pricking the skin with two forms of penicillins (each of which mimics the forms of penicillin that are found in the blood when a patient takes the drug) and a subsequent intra-dermal test (placing a small amount of each form of penicillin just under the skin). If these tests are negative, it is very unlikely that a penicillin allergy is present. In many instances after negative testing, a dose of an oral penicillin is also given, followed by an observation period. If there is no reaction, the patient is not at risk of having a serious immediate reaction and penicillins can be used thereafter. It typically takes about 2 to 3 hours to perform all of the testing.
In cases of a positive penicillin test, either the skin prick or intra-dermal test will produce a red, raised bump, signifying the presence of an allergy to the medication.
Penicillins need to be avoided and a different antibiotic will be needed to treat infections. If a penicillin is needed, a desensitization procedure can be performed under the care of an allergist / immunologist to temporarily allow the drug to be used.
Preparing for Your Allergy Test Appointment
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, is a condition that affects about 20 percent of the population at some time. If you have ever suffered with skin that erupts into red welts, often with severe itching, you know how distressing this type of condition can be. And how much it can affect your life.
Rhinitis, often referred to as hay fever, is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose. It is one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting the North American population, with 10 to 20% of Canadians being affected.
The most common of the inflammatory dermatoses, comprising a group of skin disorders that exhibit a common pattern of histological and clinical findings, which vary depending on the stage of the disease. The terms eczema and dermatitis are often used interchangeably.
There are many different reasons for Red Eye and it is important to have an accurate diagnosis of this condition as the treatments will vary accordingly such as Allergic Conjunctivitis.
It is important to know which allergens cause you to have symptoms. Your doctor will:
Based upon the findings, the allergist can determine if allergy testing is needed. Allergy testing may include skin prick testing and blood tests. You can then work with your allergist to understand the results and develop a treatment plan.
Medications used to treat allergies include:
Several treatment options are currently available for allergies including:
Allergy testing is primarily conducted through skin prick testing, with blood tests used in certain cases when needed. The great news is that there’s no extra charge for skin prick testing, as it’s fully covered under OHIP, ensuring you receive the care you need without any added costs. To book your allergy testing appointment, please reach out to MD Treatment Lounge by calling 905-353-0707.
Contact UsAllergies testing is done by skin prick testing and in some cases blood test .No additional fee is charged for skin prick testing as this is covered through OHIP.
In Ontario, patients must be referred by the family doctor (or other physician) to an allergy specialist. Ask your family doctor to refer you to MD Treatment Lounge today – can we link to the MD Treatment Lounge referral form.
You do not have to pay for allergy testing with an allergy specialist. If you have a skin prick test (allergy test) with our clinic, it is covered by OHIP (Valid Ontario Healthcard) or IHF (Interim Federal Health Program) for refugees
We also accept private pay patients with or without insurance coverage. Insurance coverage will be dependent on your plan and policy. We will invoice patients directly and request for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
Sometimes we may ask of patients for additional testing for their allergies (bloodwork) at Lifelabs, however this is not covered by OHIP and you will have to pay out of pocket. This blood test is completely optional. Insurances may cover for this additional type of testing, we ask patients to ask.
It cost $30-$40.00 per allergen
This will depend on what you are allergic to. Our administrative team will be able to provide a quote after your consultation and allergy testing is performed. Please note that Allergy injections are covered by:
You may receive a referral from any clinic accepting new patients for primary care. We are also able to provide a list of our partner clinics. You must book an appointment to see a family doctor to be assessed and from there, if it is determined you need to see an allergist, they will send a referral.
Sometimes technology can be fault, especially faxes! Just give us a call at (905) 353-0707 and let us know what’s going on. Our administrative team will be more than happy to help you out and get you an appointment as soon as possible.
Our wait times are less than one month
Yes, we are able to treat skin-related issues that are spontaneous or triggered by known/unknown environment factors or food. Our clinic is equipped to offer comprehensive and collaborative medical treatment that will help your symptoms.
Yes! We believe in shared-care to ensure the best outcome for our patients. Majority of our Asthma patients will see an Allergist along with a Respriologist.
Yes! We are happy to provide allergy testing for the whole family as allergies may have a hereditary component.
Of course! We are happy to provide a new consultation and prescribe allergy injections. Please note that we will ask you to have another allergy testing done again to ensure accuracy.
Yes. We help many patients avoid another episode or reaction to help ease their anxiety and worries. Overall, preventative management is key to help treat your allergies.
Yes! We are able to offer many different types of food allergies, even uncommon ones if notified ahead of time. Our food allergy testing includes but not limited to:
Yes! Our environmental test includes but not limited to:
Yes! If you have a known reaction to penicillin, we are able to offer Penicillin testing at this time, however due to the preparation for this type of testing, wait-times are a bit longer for this.
Yes. We are happy to provide an appointment for consultation, however we advise waiting after you have given birth to have your allergy testing done. We do not perform the procedure (allergy testing) on pregnant patients, but we will accept appointments for consultation and symptom management.
