What is the Specific IgE Enzyme Immunosorbent Assay (EIA) Method?
The EIA method is a simple blood test that we use to detect and accurately identify your allergies. It is an advanced and sound alternative to traditional skin testing. Northwestern Nasal + Sinus offers this extremely accurate and sensitive method of identifying allergies, thanks to our in-office CLIA-regulated clinical laboratory.

How does the EIA method work?
When you come into the office, a trained technician will draw some blood from your arm. In our laboratory, specific allergens like mold or pollen are mixed with your blood sample to see if any antibodies are detected. We then measure the amounts of these antibodies; if we find high antibody measurements, you are probably allergic to that substance. Dr. McMahan or Dr. Carothers will let you know what these substances are, and will discuss a treatment plan with you.

What treatments are available?
Most allergies can be controlled through medications, immunotherapy and careful management of exposure. Depending on what you are allergic to, you can take certain precautions to avoid contact. For example, during the spring and summer, it's a good idea to close house and car windows and use your air conditioner to filter airborne allergens.

How does EIA Allergy Testing help with treatment?
The specificity and increased sensitivity of the EIA test make it a superior and preferred method of allergy testing. EIA provides a calibrated scoring system that is used to measure allergenic sensitivity on levels ranging from 0 to 6 -- 0 being non-allergic and 6 being severely allergic. These sensitivity levels represent the number of allergen specific antibodies contained in your blood. The more antibodies you have—the more you are allergic to a specific allergen.

Our trained allergy technicians utilize the allergy test results to formulate antigen serum that is tailor-made to each patient. Since the EIA test results are very precise and indicate the level of allergic sensitivity to each allergen, we are able to administer injections at a safer, higher initial injection dosage. This allows you to experience rapid relief of your allergic symptoms and to transition to a safe and effective home immunotherapy program, if desired.

Can I take medication and stay alert?
Regular use of antihistamines prescribed by Dr. McMahan or Dr. Carothers can block allergic reactions before they start and will not make you drowsy. Nasal steroid sprays also act to blunt or prevent your allergic response.

What about allergy shots?
If your allergy symptoms cannot be controlled with medication and preventative measures, allergy immunotherapy can do wonders. In fact, Northwestern Nasal + Sinus is the only practice in the region that offers safe and convenient, at-home immunotherapy that you can administer yourself.