Elgin residents experience effectiveness, ease of the patch test to detect allergy sources

Elgin residents experience effectiveness, ease of the patch test to detect allergy sources

A skin test is fast and simple. As such, it’s a very common way to zero in on the cause of your allergic symptoms. With such testing, your skin is pricked to allow exposure to a small amount of the suspect allergen. Redness and swelling during the test may be an indication that the suspect substance is at fault. This may be the only test we need to identify your allergen, getting you on the road to symptom-free with a custom course of treatment.

However, you may not be a candidate for the skin test, or it may be a less than stellar option should some factors apply, including:

  • Severe skin conditions like eczema
  • A history of serious reactions, such as anaphylaxis
  • Hay fever caused by house mites, grass pollens or animal dander is not suspected
  • You are concerned about the likelihood of false positives

While you may not be a candidate for the skin or prick test, the patch test may be a good option.

Such testing involves our team at the Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates and Food Allergy Center of Illinois applying an extract of the suspected allergen to your skin via a waterproof adhesive or “patch.” We then check to see how your skin reacts to the patch at intervals of 48 and 72 hours.

Patch testing benefits include:

  • Can identify allergens not caught during skin or blood tests
  • Doesn’t further irritate rashes, other skin conditions
  • Isn’t invasive, no blood is drawn or skin pricked
  • As many as 60 substances may be tested at a time
  • Diverse uses including testing for allergic reactions caused by certain items a person may be exposed to (i.e. metals in jewelry).

You may suspect you have another allergy. Perhaps other types of tests have been inconclusive. Our Dr. Noga Askenazi and the staff can identify the source of your allergy via patch testing at our Elgin office, one of two convenient locations in Chicagoland.

Take the first step to seeing us by calling (847) 888-8802.

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Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates

Meredith Cirrincione | Dr. Noga Askenazi

Amy Schack, a distinguished board-certified Physician Associate, brings a wealth of expertise to patient care. Specializing in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, and rashes, Amy is renowned for her commitment to excellence and compassionate approach. With a background in immediate care and orthopedics, she holds a Master's in Physician Assistant studies from Midwestern University and a Bachelor of Science from Northern Illinois University. A member of esteemed professional associations, including the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, Amy Schack instills confidence, ensuring you can trust her unwavering dedication to your health and well-being.


Meredith Cirrincione is a board certified Physician Assistant and specializes in treating allergies, with a focus on asthma, rashes, environmental allergies, chemical and food allergies. She holds a Masters in Physician Assistant Studies from The Chicago Medical School - Rosalind Franklin University of Health Sciences. She is a Fellow member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants, and the Association of PAs in Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She likes to approach things holistically. She is a strong patient advocate and adored by her patients. She enjoys singing, reading, cooking, and the great outdoors.


Dr. Noga Askenazi is a nationally recognized asthma and allergy specialist who is board certified in pediatric and adult allergy. Her areas of special interest are innovative treatment of rashes, sinusitis, food allergies, asthma and immune disorders. She was past President of the ISAAI (Illinois Society of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology), works on state and national committees for advancement of the allergy field and is a consultant for Advocate, Ascension Health, Northwestern amongst other health care systems. Her joy is helping patients reach their goals after together determining best treatments. Her staff and patients are a chosen family, and she invests in their happiness. She enjoys gardening, biking and cooking to good music.