Allergy and bone density testing in Torrance

Who it’s for

Adults with allergy symptoms, a higher risk of bone loss, or numbness and tingling

Visit length

Varies by test — ask when booking

Before allergy tests

Ask which medicines to pause, such as antihistamines — don’t stop any on your own

Insurance

Most tests billed to insurance — call to confirm your plan

Allergy testing

Allergy tests are most helpful when they match your symptoms and history, such as sneezing every spring or hives after eating a certain food. There are two main types:

• Blood tests measure IgE, the antibody involved in allergic reactions, to specific allergens. They can be a good choice if you can’t pause certain medicines, have a skin condition, or are likely to have a serious reaction to skin testing.
• Skin tests place tiny amounts of allergens on or just under the skin and watch for a small raised bump. The most common side effect is red, itchy skin where the test was done.

A positive result doesn’t always mean you have a true allergy, so Dr. Shin reads results alongside your symptoms. Food “sensitivity” panels that measure IgG are not recommended for diagnosing allergies, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Bone density screening

Osteoporosis thins the bones and raises the risk of breaks. It usually causes no symptoms, and many people don’t know they have it until a bone breaks. The USPSTF recommends osteoporosis screening for women 65 and older and for postmenopausal women younger than 65 who are at increased risk; it found too little evidence to assess screening in men (2025).

The main test is a DXA scan, a low-dose X-ray that usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Smaller devices that measure bone in the finger, forearm or foot give less detail, so a DXA scan may be advised if results or risk factors call for it. We’ll explain which test fits you and where it’s done. You may be asked to stop calcium supplements 24 to 48 hours before a scan.

Numbness, tingling and weakness

Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet has many possible causes, including pressure on a nerve (such as carpal tunnel syndrome), diabetes, low B vitamin levels and some medicines. Dr. Shin starts with your history and an exam of your nerves at our Torrance office, and may order blood tests such as blood sugar, thyroid function and vitamin B12.

We evaluate numbness, tingling and weakness, and if you need nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG), we refer you to a neurology or physical medicine specialist for that testing.

How testing works

1. Evaluation

   Dr. Shin reviews your symptoms, history and medicines to choose a test, or to decide that no test is needed.

2. Preparation

   We tell you what to pause or avoid, such as some allergy medicines or calcium supplements.

3. Testing

   Your test is done in our office or at an outside lab or imaging center, depending on the test.

4. Plan

   Dr. Shin explains your results and next steps, including a specialist referral when needed.