Indications —Who is Skin Prick Testing For?

Skin Prick Testing (Allergy Testing) is the gold standard test for determining allergic reactions to food and aeroallergens (dust mites, animals, pollens).

Skin Prick Testing can help determine allergic triggers in:

• Allergic Rhinitis (Hay fever)
• Allergic Conjunctivitis
• Asthma
• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
• Acute Food Reactions
• Anaphylaxis
• Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disorders (e.g. Eosinophilic Oesophagitis)
• Recurrent rashes   *rarely indicated

How is it done?

An allergy skin prick test involves introducing a small amount of allergen into the skin (usually the forearm) using a small plastic applicator. The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes to administer, with results being read approximately 15-20 minutes later.

Skin prick tests are slightly uncomfortable (itchy) but are usually well tolerated, even by small children. Local itch and swelling normally subside within 1-2 hours. Rarely more prolonged itchiness or swelling can occur and may be treated with a non-sedating antihistamine or ice pack.

Medications to Avoid:

• Antihistamines (e.g. Telfast, Zyrect, Claratyne, Phenergan)  
  • STOP for 5 days prior to your appointment
• Antidepressants/Sleeping Tablets (e.g. Amitriptyline, Mirtazapine, Doxepin, Doxylamine)  
  • withhold for 2 weeks prior 
  • DO NOT STOP these without consulting your doctor
• Beta-Blockers (e.g. Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol, Carvedilol)
  • DO NOT STOP these without consulting your doctor  
  • Please inform the doctor if you are taking this medication
• Creams: Topical Steroids (e.g. Hydrocortisone, Elocon)
  • avoid using on the forearms for 2-3 days prior to procedure o 
  • Moisturisers – avoid using on the forearms on the day of procedure

Medications that can be continued:

• Allergy Nasal Sprays  
• Asthma Inhalers
• Most other drugs not listed do not interfere with allergy testing, but please bring a list of your medications if you are unsure

Adverse Reactions:

Skin prick testing is an extremely safe procedure, with minimal discomfort. An expected reaction to a SPT is a localised wheal and flare, which causes itching.

Uncommonly, a delayed local skin swelling can occur, which usually resolves often within a few hours. Rarely this swelling can last longer and is treated with a non-sedating antihistamine.

Systemic reactions are exceedingly rare, occurring in approximately 0.033%. If you have any concerns, please discuss with the doctor at your appointment.

Allergens:

There are multiple allergens that can be tested with skin prick testing. We offer a wide range of allergy panels, including:

• Dust Mites
• Pollens
• Moulds
• Animal Dander (e.g. Cats, Dogs)
• Foods (Nuts, Shellfish, Fish, Milk, Wheat, Egg, Soy etc.)

If there is a particular allergen you would like to be tested for, please ask our reception staff if we carry this allergen.