Hay Fever Testing

Also known as hay fever, allergic rhinitis is a condition characterized by symptoms similar to the common cold, such as itchy eyes, nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. Unlike a cold, hay fever is caused by a reaction to allergens such as animal dander or pollen. Many cases of hay fever result from exposure to ragweed.

Hay Fever Testing at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia

In order to diagnose hay fever, your Atlanta allergy doctor at the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia will first review your medical history and ask questions about your allergy symptoms. Following a thorough examination, your allergist may recommend one of the following hay fever tests:

Scratch/Prick Test

During the scratch/prick test, your allergy doctor will first place small drops of suspected allergens directly on the skin of your upper back or arm; using a disposable medical device, your allergist will then prick the skin, which allows the allergen to penetrate the epidermal layer. If you are allergic to an allergen, a small bump, or hive, will develop at the test site.

Allergy Blood Test

In some cases, your allergist may recommend an allergy blood test to determine your immune system’s response to a wide range of allergens. Also known as a radioallergosorbent test (RAST), a blood test will detect the number of antibodies in the bloodstream that cause allergic reactions.

Contact the Atlanta Allergy Doctors at the Center for Allergy and Asthma

If you suspect that you suffer from hay fever, call the Atlanta allergy doctors of the Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia at (770) 459-0620. We offer appointments at any of our convenient south Atlanta locations, including Carrollton, Hiram, Griffin, Villa Rica, Newnan, Smyrna/Vinings, Peachtree City/Fayetteville, Acworth/Kennesaw, and Douglasville Georgia.