Venom/stinging insect testing is a form of allergy testing that involves skin prick testing and intradermal testing. A positive test to skin pricks or intradermal injections will cause an itchy hive on the skin and indicates a stinging insect allergy .
Not all reactions from stinging insects need allergy testing. Your allergist will decide if testing is needed based on your symptoms after the sting.
Antihistamines can block skin prick testing and intradermal testing, therefore these medications must be stopped before your appointment. See antihistamines for specific instructions on stopping antihistamines before stinging insect testing.
If you have anaphylaxis to stinging insects and venom testing confirms an allergy, subcutaneous immunotherapy/allergy injections can decrease your risk of a severe allergic reaction from 60% to 5%.