Drug Allergy Testing in San Antonio

Drug allergy testing is crucial as it helps identify specific medications that trigger adverse reactions, ensuring safer and more effective treatment options while minimizing the risk of severe allergic responses. 

It helps doctors customize treatments and avoid risky drugs by finding potential allergens, keeping you safe and healthy.

Specializing in diagnostics, we primarily focus on frequent allergens such as penicillin and lidocaine, known to cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

Understanding the nature of your allergic reactions to these drugs is critical, as it directly impacts your treatment options and healthcare outcomes. 

By utilizing advanced testing and assessment methods, we ensure that our diagnosis is accurate and informative, providing the clarity needed to manage your health effectively.

Diagnosing a Drug Allergy

The diagnostic process at our clinic starts with a detailed review of your medical, allergy, and family history, followed by a physical examination. We will discuss the most appropriate testing method based on this initial assessment while considering your preferences.

Skin Testing

A small amount of the suspected drug is placed on your skin and pricked lightly with a plastic applicator or an intradermal test, where the drug is injected just beneath the skin. 

After waiting 15-20 minutes, any reaction like raised, red, itchy bumps indicates a possible allergy, though the absence of a reaction does not exclude the possibility of an allergy. In instances of a negative result, we will work with you further to determine whether you have a drug allergy. 

Oral Drug Challenge

If skin and patch tests are inconclusive, an oral drug challenge can be conducted to test for allergies to specific medications. During this procedure, the individual is given increasing doses of the suspected medication orally under medical supervision to assess for any allergic reactions.

Test Results

Following these tests, your doctor can conclusively determine if you have a drug allergy. In rare cases where results are inconclusive, your allergist will discuss potential allergies and guide you on proceeding with further treatment and prevention. We are here to support you through each step of the diagnosis and treatment process.

Let Juniper Allergy Help You

If you’d like to learn more about drug allergy testing and how it could help you, our team is happy to answer any questions you may have. You can call (210) 888-1297 or email help@juniperallergy.com to discuss the next steps.