Allergy Tests: How To Prepare


Content provided by Healthwise
small text medium text large text

How To Prepare


Many medicines can affect the results of a skin test. Be sure to tell your health professional about all the nonprescription and prescription medicines you take. You may need to stop taking some medicines, such as some tricyclic antidepressants and antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), and loratadine (Claritin) before you have an allergy skin test.

Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will show. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?) .



Healthwise Logo
Last updated: August 08, 2007
Author: Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.

Search


Where Does it Hurt?

body symptoms

If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.