FAQs
General Allergen Panels:
How many allergens fit on one panel?
There are 10 allergen chambers on each panel. You can select as few as 1 or as many as 10 allergens to be placed on each panel.
How soon do I have to apply the panels to the patient once I receive them?
It is the industry standard to use the panels within 7-10 days after applying the allergen to the panel. Once you receive the patient specific prescription panels they should be applied within 1 week.
Why are liquids and volatile allergens not added before my panel is shipped?
Liquid and volatile allergens might leak onto other allergen chambers or evaporate, which could result in inaccurate patch test results. We will send these allergens in a separate syringe to be applied to the patch test panels immediately prior to application onto your patient.
How do I load the syringe?
Specific instructions and a syringe dispenser are sent with all orders that require the shipment of a syringe. Please review the detailed instructions included in your shipment.
What panel should I use for very active patients?
While every effort should be made to counsel patients to refrain from showing or going to the gym for the 48 hours while their patch test panels are applied, there are some panels that adhere better than others and offer resistance to moisture. The Finn Chambers AQUA® and allergEAZE clear® panels are both constructed using a high-adhesive polyurethane tape. These panels have been tested and shown to maintain adherence after being subjected to moist conditions. Patients should not swim or bathe or submerge the panels for any length of time.
What if I select series, group or category and don’t need all the allergens in it?
If you select a series, group or category the allergens will automatically be added to your panels. You can then remove any individual allergens you don’t need by clicking on the “X”. If you do this, and decide later you want to add deleted allergens back to your panel, you can add the allergen individually or start over.
Can I select specific allergens out of a series, group or category?
Start by selecting the series, group or category you desire. The allergens will automatically be added to your panels. You can then remove any individual allergens you don’t need by clicking on the “X”. If you do this, and decide later you want to add deleted allergens back to your panel, you can add the allergen individually or start over.
Oregon patients:
Please contact the pharmacy (1-800-344-5341) to request a prescription reader.
Quality:
How are compounded allergens made?
Allergens are compounded in adherence with Good Compounding Practices recognized by the AZ Board of Pharmacy and U.S.P. 795.
What quality control processes are in place?
A Continuous Quality Assurance program is required by the AZ Board of Pharmacy. Including best practices initial and on-going training and skill competency, process reviews, and documentation. There is a system of written procedures and scientific measurements designed to ensure the maintenance of proper, accurate, and safe compounded preparations. A pharmacist is responsible for reviewing each procedure in the compounding process.
Shipping:
How quickly can I expect to receive my order?
We have a standard turnaround of 7 business days. Please note: we are unable to send prescriptions to Alabama at this time.
How are orders shipped?
All orders are shipped from our Phoenix, AZ pharmacy.
What should I do if I need my order expedited?
If you need your order expedited, you should call or e-mail our pharmacy staff to confirm our ability to meet your requirements, 1-800-344-5341 or [email protected].
Website Navigation:
How do I sign up/create an account?
You can sign up/create an account for the SmartPractice Allergen Bank by selecting one of the price tiers on the Pricing page. You will then follow a series of prompts to set-up your account. We require licensed medical professionals provide their NPI number and state licensure (State & number) in order to access our site. During the registration process you will provide your e-mail address (login ID) and a password for future access to the site. You can access the site 24/7 when it’s convenient for you.
What do I do if I forgot my password?
If you’ve forgotten your password, please select the “I forgot my password” option on the login screen. We will send your password to you. In order to help prevent this issue, we ask that you select a password known to you that contains a minimum of 6 characters.
How do I save a panel as a favorite?
When setting up a customized panel(s), you have the option to save as a “favorite” in the event you need such panel(s) for future patients. On the panel layout page, select the option “Save as Favorite” and name the panel(s). Select a name that will help you easily recall the allergens on the panel.
How do I reorder my saved “Favorite” panel(s)?
To select one of your saved panel groups during a new order, use the "Favorites" selection on the panel layout page.
How do I delete my saved “Favorite” panel(s)?
To delete your saved panels, go to the My Account page. At the bottom of the page, you will find your saved panels by name. To delete one, click on the trash bin icon.
Can I access my previous orders?
Yes. On the My Account page, you can select Order History to see all previous prescriptions. Results shown are based on the past 3 months, but you can select a different date interval or select “show all” if necessary. You can view the detail of that prescription by selecting “View Information.” Order details, including allergen panel/chamber location is included.
I am running into website issues. What can I do?
For the best experience, we recommend using Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Safari (MAC).
Gel Chips:
Why would I consider using the metal gel chip panels instead of the petrolatum allergens included in the metal implant series?
You may want to consider both! Metal implants include allergens not available in petrolatum. By considering your patients implant a combination of the metal gel chip panels and the petrolatum allergens may be ideal.
Why can't I customize my metal gel chip panels?
Using a proprietary process, the metal implant gel chips are placed on a polyester hypoallergenic tape that keeps the panels securely in place. Due to this process, metal implant gel chip panels are fixed and are not customizable.
What is the gel chip made of?
Each allergen is incorporated into a hydrophilic gel that is dried into a thin film. When applied to the skin, this film becomes hydrated by skin moisture and the allergen is released.
How do I find the list of Gel Chip Allergens?
Go to Available Allergens, search by Grouping, and select one of the four Gel Chip Groupings: Cardiac Metal Implant Gel Chip, Dental Metal Implant Gel Chip, Dental Metal Restoration& Implant Gel Chip, Orthopedic Metal Implant Gel Chip.
Atopy Allergens:
What do Atopy Allergens test for?
An atopy allergen patch test is one method used to diagnose Atopic Dermatitis or Eosiniphilic Esophogitis. Individuals with Atopic Dermatitis suffer from a chronic and intensely itchy inflammatory skin disease. Atopic dermatitis is especially common in children, for whom the lifetime prevalence has been estimated at 10-20%. In individuals with Eosiniphilic Esophogitis, the eosinophils produce a protein that causes inflammation, which can lead to scarring, narrowing and formation of excessive fibrous tissues in the lining of the esophagus. As a result, they may have difficulty swallowing or have food become stuck when attempting to swallow.
Why are Atopy allergens in 12mm chambers?
Based on research and industry standards, 12mm chambers are recommended size for Atopy testing.
How are Atopy allergens prepared and standardized?
Based on research and industry recommendations, the appropriate allergen concentrations have been prepared in petrolatum. This consistent preparation has allowed for standardization of Atopy patch testing across the US.
Are Atopy panels customizable?
Yes. Atopy panels are customizable. You may select from 29 different atopy allergens available prepared in 12mm chambers. You will receive 2 panels of 5 chambers each (10 total allergens per panel).
How will the Atopy allergen panel be shipped to me?
Atopy allergens are loaded on two 12mm Finn Chamber panels. Each panel contains 5 chambers. The panels are numbered per your prescription, loaded, covered and placed in a patchTransport for safe transit. Shipping is included in the panel price. Please allow 7-10 days for turnaround.
How many Atopy allergens are available?
There are 26 available food allergens and aeroallergens. Apple, Barley, String Green Bean, Beef, River Birch, Carrot, Cat Hair, Chicken Meat, Corn Food, Dog Epithelia, Egg White (Chicken), Egg Whole (Chicken), Egg Yolk (Chicken), Milk (Cow), Mite Mix, Oat Food, Peach, Peanut, Potato (White), Ragweed (Giant), Rice Food, Ryegrass (Italian), Shellfish Mix, Soybean Food, Turkey Meat and Whole Wheat.
Do I have to order all 26 Atopy allergens?
No. Atopy allergens are customizable on a patient specific basis. You may select as many allergens as you deem necessary for your patient. Remember, allergens are ordered on a panel basis. For Atopy you may select 1-10 allergens, which would be applied across two 5-chamber 12mm Finn Chamber panels.
How do I find the list of Atopy Allergens?
Go to Available Allergens, search by Grouping, and select "Atopy"
Do the Atopy allergens contain preservatives?
Yes. Atopy allergens contain trace amounts of phenol, which is used as a preservative.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help!
Phone: 800.344.5341
Fax: 800.344.6709
Email: [email protected]