Skin Prick Testing:
A Quick and Simple Allergy Test
Recommended by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA), Skin Prick Testing (SPT) is a leading diagnostic approach for identifying IgE-mediated allergies, including food (peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, eggs, milk, peanuts, grains, etc.), dust mite, pet (cat, dog, rabbits, guinea pigs etc.) and grass/tree/weed pollen allergies (2). It is known for its high sensitivity, accuracy, quick results, cost-effectiveness, and patient-friendly process.
Skin prick testing is a widely recognised and reliable method for diagnosing allergies, especially for common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods. Its accuracy is generally high, with studies indicating it can be around 80-90% effective in identifying IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Due to the variability, results should be evaluated alongside a patient's medical history by an experienced allergist. (1)
During SPT, a trained medical professional gently pricks your skin, usually on the forearm or back, with a tiny lancet (1). This will introduce small amounts of allergens into the skin. If you're allergic, the test area will become red, swollen, and itchy within 15 minutes, indicating a positive reaction. This response is temporary and subsides within a few hours. Interpretation of SPT results is most effective with a thorough review of your medical history and physical examination.
SPT can be conducted in any age group, including young children. However, SPT is not recommended in pregnancy (3). There are extremely rare risks of severe allergic reactions from SPT, so it’s important to conduct the test in a supervised medical setting.
SPT can help pinpoint the specific allergens causing your symptoms, guiding your doctor in recommending effective avoidance strategies and specific immunotherapy treatment.
Near Redfern and Norwest in Sydney, Dr Jason Yu and our expert team are committed to your care. Whether it’s preparing for a skin prick allergy test or understanding post-skin prick test care, we help you understand and manage your allergies with precision. Book your skin prick test today to take charge of your health.
1. The diagnosis of food allergy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. K. Soares-Weiser, Y. Takwoingi, S. S. Panesar, A. Muraro, T. Werfel, K. Hoffmann-Sommergruber, G. Roberts, S. Halken, L. Poulsen, R. van Ree, B. J. Vlieg-Boerstra, A. Sheikh. 1, s.l. : Allergy, 2014, Vol. 69.
2. Skin Prick Testing Guide for the Diagnosis of Allergic Disease. [Online] 2020. [Cited: December 22, 2023.] https://www.allergy.org.au/hp/papers/skin-prick-testing/.
3. Allergy Testing. [Online] 06 06, 2022. [Cited: 12 2023, 22.] https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/allergy-testing.
4. The incidence and features of systemic reactions to skin prick tests. Priya Sellaturay, Shuaib Nasser, Pamela Ewan. 3, 2015, Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, Vol. 115, pp. 229-233.
