Skin prick testing for sensitisation and allergy

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Image by Dr Harry Morrow Brown and gifted to housedustmite.com

These tests are simple, cost effective and quick to perform and yield valuable information when combined with the patients' medical history and a clinical examination. They should include a minimum of four common allergens which may vary according to geographical regions. Testing should not be performed in the presence of severe eczema or if the patient is receiving antihistamine or the readings will not be accurate. Skin prick tests are especially valuable for children with suspected allergy.

There are some patients however who can skin prick test positive for a specific allergen but have no clinical symptoms to that trigger. They would be considered allergen 'tolerant' to the trigger and avoidance advice may not be appropriate. On the other hand, there are a few patients who may be at risk of a serious allergic reaction to a trigger but demonstrate no outward reaction in common allergy testing. In all cases, allergy testing needs be a clinical procedure by trained clinicians.