The only way to treat your allergy symptoms is to determine exactly what is causing them. This is done using a series of allergy tests.
What Is Modified Quantitative Testing?
Modified Quantitative Testing (MQT) is a blend of skin-pricks and intradermal testing.
First, a small plastic device, dipped in allergens, is used to prick the surface of the skin. After 20 minutes, any swelling is measured.
Next, an intradermal skin test is completed. An intradermal wheal, or bleb, is made by injecting allergens directly under the top layer of skin. After 10 minutes any reactions are measured and classified as either positive or negative.
How Does a Blood Test Work?
A blood test is used to measure how much of an allergen-specific antibody, called immunoglobulin E (IgE), is in your blood. The more allergen specific IgE in your blood, the more likely you are to be allergic. Blood tests are typically used to confirm the results of a skin test; they may also be used in lieu of skin tests if a serious allergy makes skin testing unsafe.
Call Blue Ridge ENT at (828) 264-4545 for more information or to schedule an appointment.