Allergy Testing

The Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County Allergy Center specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of all types of allergies. Our allergists order important allergy tests to accurately identify your specific allergens and reactions. Allergy testing can be done as skin tests or as blood tests. Skin testing has been found to be the most accurate and reliable form.

We test for approximately 30 allergens.We are not only looking to see if you are allergic, but alsohow allergic you are so you may receive some of these antigens in weaker or stronger doses, until we find where your particular threshold is. During skin testing allergen is placed under the surface of the skin on the arms. Positive reactions usually appear within 20 minutes and can cause itchy red bumps that will disappear within an hour or so.

An allergy blood test is often used for the following reasons:

The patient is taking a medicine that can interfere with skin testing
The patient suffers from a severe skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis
Testing with a strong allergen might cause an extra large positive reaction
A single needle stick may be preferable for babies and very young children

The test results alone do not diagnose allergies. All results, from either type of test, must be interpreted together with the medical history by the allergist.

Erin O. from Downingtown, PA

“I had stopped taking my allergy medicine and ended up with the worse sinus infection of my life. The staff at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County genuinely will provide you with the best care. I was overwhelmed by the kindness, concern, and sense of urgency everyone gave. My phone calls were returned promptly and time was made to see me in the office when it was an emergency.”

Connie J. from West Chester, PA

“I can say after years of coming to Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County, my relationship and trust with Dr. Marriotti has grown tremendously. He is personable, friendly and I appreciate his input with my hearing condition. The staff at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County is always cheery and pleasant. I enjoy my visits and always leave feeling like I am in good hands.”

Dauna P. from University Lincoln, PA

“I am so grateful for the care Dr. Picariello has given for my complex and serious brain diagnosis. He has made such an impression on the way the process was handled. I shall never forget him and how humble he was when dealing with my condition. He is truly one of the best around and I am fortunate for his high ethical standards and professionalism.”

Kathy S. from Schwenksvile, PA

“The knowledge, encouragement, concern, and individual attention the doctors of Ear, Nose & Throat Associates of Chester County had demonstrated was far beyond my expectations. The office atmosphere is professional yet friendly. The doctors know their profession well and are able to explain in basic understandable terms. They made sure we were comfortable and took their time going over everything extensively.”

James B., from Coatesville, PA

“The allergy shot process has been a great experience and has prevented a reoccurrence of my nasal polyps, and decreased the need for my asthma inhaler. The allergy staff is excellent.”