A guide to performing skin-prick testing in practice: tips and tricks of the trade

Abstract

Atopy can manifest in childhood as infantile eczema (atopic dermatitis), allergic rhinitis and asthma. In practice, it is critical to identify the offending allergen in atopic individuals. This will not only influence therapeutic interventions, but may also have a significant impact on the individual's quality of life. The most common clinical test for allergy detection is the introduction of an allergen directly into the skin in the form of a skin-prick test. Skin-prick testing is recommended in the diagnostic workup for allergies because it is reliable, safe, convenient, inexpensive, minimally invasive, and has the advantage of multiple allergen testing in one, 15-to 20-minute, test. Skin-prick testing can be performed from birth onwards. Although there is a small risk of developing anaphylaxis, the test remains safe to perform in a consultation room or at the patient's bedside. Worldwide, a skin-prick test remains the test of choice for allergy because of its convenience and cost-effectiveness. A globally accepted guideline for skin-prick testing is still lacking and would be beneficial to both patient and physician.Peer reviewed.

The Accuracy of Indonesian New Local Skin Prick Test (SPT) Allergen Extracts as Diagnostic Tool of IgE-mediated Atopic Dermatitis

“…Type of allergen and technique also can causing variation of test results. 7 Composition of allergen components is also important, there may be differences in house dust mite species in both extracts. The most common species of house dust mite in Indonesia are Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronissynus, which are the same with content of imported house dust mite extract.…”

“…Single international standardization is needed because each allergic reagent manufacturer can differ in the content of ingredients that result in different outputs. 7 Specific IgE antibodies can show positive results in patients without clinical manifestations of AD, and vice versa. Retrospective history taking of allergens through history is subjective depending on individual memories, as in this study.…”

Skin prick test for the evaluation of patients with idiopathic generalized pruritus: preliminary results

“…Moreover, epidemiologic studies which determine sensitization rates in different areas contribute to create standardized allergen solutions [9]. Most common aeroallergens are house dust mites, pet dander, pollens and moulds, whereas commonly detected food allergens in adults include shellfish, nut and fruit allergies [11].…”

Diagnostic Tests in The Management of Allergic Diseases in Primary Care

“…Dünya çapında, deri prick testi, kolaylık ve maliyet etkinliği nedeniyle tercih edilen bir test olmaya devam etmektedir. 6 Amerika'da yapılmış 5 yıllık bir çalışmada, deri prick testi hiçbir ölümcül komplikasyona yol açmamıştır. 13 16 Alerjik semptomu olup ilgili alerjenin yoğun bulunduğu mevsimlerde deri testi yapılacaksa daha dikkatli olmak gerekir.…”

“…Deri prick testi sonuçları hemen alınabildiğinden, doktor hastaya belirli alerjenden kaçınma ve tedavi hakkında eğitim verebilir. 6 Deri testinde saptanan duyarlılığın ko-sensitizasyon mu yoksa çapraz reaksiyon mu olduğunu anlamak amacıyla karşılaştırma testi gibi major ve minör alerjen moleküle karşı spesifik IgE ölçümlerinin de yol gösterici olabileceği bildirilmektedir. 7…”