Local anesthetics are used to numb an area prior to a surgical procedure.  The most common example would be using lidocaine for placement of stitches or before dental work.  Fortunately, anesthetic allergy is rare and the majority of reactions are secondary to the side-effects of epinephrine which is used with the anesthetic to reduce blood flow to the area.  If there are allergy concerns, skin testing can be performed.  There are many different local anesthetics used.

If you schedule an appointment for testing, you will be instructed to obtain the anesthetic in question from your primary care provider.  Alternatively, if dental work is needed, we ask you obtain the anesthetic your dentist wishes to use.  A negative skin test will allow you to use that particular anesthetic safely in the future.  It is important the anesthetic you bring does not contain epinephrine, as this will interfere with testing.