Have you ever gone outside in the midst of springtime only to come back inside with red eyes and a runny nose? Have you ever had an outbreak of itchy hives after eating something new? These are common reactions to allergies, and they are good enough reasons to consider allergy testing in Tampa at Polmed Primary Care and Walk-In Clinic.

There are three ways to test for allergies:

• Blood test
• Skin test
• Elimination diet test

The blood test is a basic and straightforward drawing of blood to test for specific allergies. Within a few days, it can tell you what kind of allergies your body is most prone to either having or developing later on.

The skin test is a common process that involves exposing allergens to your skin in a small patch. If the spot of allergen turns red or exhibits signs of an allergic reaction, that’s documented in your medical history as an allergy.

The elimination diet technique is less often used by medical professionals and more often used by patients on their own. It involves simply cutting out certain foods in your diet until you stop having allergic reactions. This uses the powers of deductions to help you discover your allergies.

The Preparation for an Allergy Test

Our allergists and doctors at Polmed Primary Care & Walk-In Clinic will have already talked to you about food and drinks before your allergy test. We will provide you with a short list of instructions that include the kinds of food and drinks to avoid before your testing time, as well as medications to stop before tests.

The skin test method could take a while to complete, bringing entertainment, such as books, to keep you occupied.

Polmed Primary Care & Walk-In Clinic specializes in a wide range of medical services, like allergy testing in Tampa. For more information, please call us at (727) 339-2054.