Allergy Testing Demystified
What to expect from a paediatric
Skin Prick Test (SPT)
As per the
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA)
skin prick testing is...
... recommended as the primary method for the diagnosis of IgE
mediated allergies in most allergic diseases. It has advantages of
relative sensitivity and specificity, rapid results, flexibility,
low cost, good tolerability, and clear demonstration to patients of
their allergies. SPT should only be performed by trained and
experienced medical staff, in centres with appropriate facilities to
treat systemic allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The responsible
medical practitioner should observe the reaction and interpret test
results in conjunction with the patient's history and physical
examination.
Skin prick testing (SPT) is used as a tool to determine likelihood of allergy in a patient with a history of reaction to a particular food or environmental allergen.
This test
does not
provide absolute answers,
it
cannot
determine severity or kind of reaction,
and
will not
be prescribed for foods that the patient has not yet eaten
This is because the safest way to introduce a food is through oral intake.
To watch a video of the procedure
click here
