Crystal Lake residents ask, “Is allergy testing near me accurate?

Posted By: Noga Askenazi M.D. | Published On: Jan 30, 2018 | Specialty Testing

Food allergies, penicillin, bee venom and more can be accurately diagnosed with allergy testing. If you have noticed hives, swelling, vomiting, or other symptoms after coming into contact with or ingesting certain substances, it may be time to consider allergy testing. For allergy testing near me, look no further than Dr. Noga Askenazi, and her staff. The team at Advanced Allergy & Asthma Associates S.C. and Food Allergy Center of Illinois have offices in Elgin and Crystal Lake.

Allergy tests accurately determine the severity of an allergy or reaction. This information allows your physician to create the most appropriate treatment plan, which may include avoidance, medications, or immunotherapy.

Accuracy of each allergy test

With the number of allergy tests available, most conditions can be accurately detected quickly and effectively. Depending upon your unique situation, your doctor will determine the most appropriate test to diagnose your triggers. The following tests may be used:

Skin prick tests are commonly used to diagnose allergic conditions. Many allergies can be detected with this fast, accurate test. The skin is exposed to tiny amounts of potential allergens with a simple prick. Results are available in minutes.
Skin patch tests also expose the skin to potential allergens. The allergen is placed on the skin and then covered with a patch. Results are available a couple of days later.
On occasion, skin testing can produce false positives or false negatives. It is possible to react differently to the allergens or tests on separate occasions. However, skin testing is generally an accurate diagnostic tool for most allergens.
Blood tests may be done on patients who cannot undergo skin testing or to clarify results. Although not as sensitive as skin tests, blood tests search for antibodies in the blood that the body may make in response to the presence of an allergen.

Whether you have food allergies, seasonal allergies, or allergies to antibiotics, contact Dr. Askenazi and the staff to learn more about allergy testing and your treatment options. Call the office today at (847) 888-8802 to schedule your appointment at one of our convenient locations.

Share this Article

Back to Specialty Testing Page

Meredith Cirrincione, MS, PA-C

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.

Noga Askenazi M.D.

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.

Susan Bockman, FNP

Susan Bockman is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating asthma, allergies, and related skin conditions. With both personal and professional experience in managing allergies, she brings a compassionate and holistic approach to patient care. Susan earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Northern Illinois University and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society in Nursing. She is deeply committed to supporting families and individuals through comprehensive, empathetic care. Outside the clinic, she enjoys genealogy, long walks with audiobooks, antiquing, and watching football with her family.