The prick test is a valuable examination for diagnosing respiratory and food allergies. It involves the application of purified allergenic extracts containing single allergens.
Purpose of the Prick Test
The prick test, a Level I allergometric test, helps identify the causes of respiratory allergies (e.g., pollen, animal dander, dust mites, mold) or food allergies. The selection of allergens for testing is based on the patient’s medical history.
Respiratory Allergies
Prick testing is prescribed for patients with persistent or seasonally patterned symptoms suggestive of asthma and oculorhinitis. It helps identify culprits such as pollen, animal dander, dust mites, or mold.
Food Allergies
Prick testing is indicated for patients who experience symptoms such as itching, redness, lips and oral cavity swelling, urticaria, angioedema, asthma, oculorhinitis, or gastrointestinal disturbances after consuming certain foods.
Severe cases may manifest with anaphylactic shock.
The procedure of the Prick Test
The prick test involves placing an allergen on the forearm’s skin and lightly pricking it with a disposable lancet. After waiting 15 to 20 minutes, the specialist evaluates the skin reaction at each allergen site.
A positive result shows slight swelling and itching, similar to a mosquito bite. The reliability of the test is assessed through the skin reaction to histamine, used as a control.
The prick test can be performed at any time of the year. It is a misconception to wait until the end of the allergy season for patients with respiratory symptoms. Early testing allows for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Age Considerations
The prick test can be performed on patients of any age, including children under 3-4. It can be repeated throughout life as the immune system develops and environmental exposures change.
The prick test is a valuable tool for allergists to guide diagnostic decisions and personalize therapies. It is a safe, painless, and rapid test. Early consultation with an allergy specialist is crucial to avoid unreliable diagnostic tests or potentially harmful diets.
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