Allergy Testing + Treatment
Located in Edmonds, our office offers advanced allergy testing and immunotherapy.
Accurately testing for allergies is the first step in identifying and ultimately eliminating allergies and their unwanted symptoms. At Puget Sound ENT, we pride ourselves on conducting precise allergy measurements that pinpoint the irritant(s) and help you plot out a treatment plan that fits your schedule and lifestyle. All allergy testing is performed in our office using skin testing; this type of allergy testing is considered the most reliable technique.
The most common testing is the prick test, in which the patient’s skin is pricked or scratched with a needle or multi-test device. Intradermal dilutional testing, formerly known as skin endpoint titration (SET) testing involves injecting an intradermal wheal, or bleb, directly under the top layer of skin. When both skin prick testing and intradermal testing are combined, the result is referred to as modified quantitative testing. We generally prefer this form of skin testing over blood work testing as it is more sensitive, accurate and affordable. The Puget Sound ENT specialists are highly skilled and experienced in allergy testing and treatments, helping you feel better fast.
We understand that allergies can be incredibly annoying, restricting everyday activities and limiting your quality of life. Our advanced allergy testing and treatment plans ensure you lead an allergy-free life year-round.
“I have been a Puget Sound ENT patient for more than 15 years. Dr. Duncan Riddell has been my physician. I receive an allergy shot every two weeks to help with my bronchitis. I no longer get Bronchitis at a pace of three or more times each year. The reception and medical team are always friendly and helpful. It means a lot to know that I have a whole team of doctors available when needed. They all know me by name and I receive a warm welcome every time I go. As a 60+ year old woman, it is comforting to know that I have a whole team standing behind me. They shall be my team for as long as I am on this planet. They are a wonderful group of care providers!”
FAQs
What sets MQT allergy testing apart?
Advanced allergy testing, also known as MQT (Modified Quantitative Test), is currently the most advanced and precise way to test patients for allergies, determine their allergen sensitivities and relieve them of seasonal and year-round discomfort. At Puget Sound ENT, we test for environmental allergies.
How is MQT performed?
We begin with two rounds of simple, in-office testing. After an initial consultation, we’ll advise you to refrain from taking certain medications for a minimum time period before the test. On the day of the test, a prick test is completed, followed by a series of small injections, using very fine needles, in rows on your arms. Each reaction is measured and recorded carefully. The results are used to produce the serums required for allergy shots. This allergy treatment is found to alleviate the allergic symptoms by using diluted injections of allergens to build an immunity.
What are the side-effects of MQT?
The most common side effect of skin testing is slightly swollen, red, itchy bumps (wheals) much like a TB skin test. These wheals may be most noticeable during the test. In some people, an area of swelling, redness and itching may develop a few hours after the test and last for as long as a couple of days.