A skin prick test is an accurate method for identifying allergens, beyond just a review of the child’s history or a physical examination. Results are available quickly, showing which allergens the child is sensitive to. This helps identify what causes their allergy and guides them to avoid it.

The skin prick test is simple and takes no more than 15–20 minutes. It is performed by pricking the skin, which is fast and painless (however, the test is not recommended for patients with widespread eczema, very young children, or pregnant women).

Steps of a skin prick allergy test:

• Clean the skin area to be tested (forearm or back) with alcohol
• Mark the test points with a pen
• Place drops of allergen extract solutions on the test area
• Use a sterile needle tip to gently prick the epidermis
• Wait 15-20 minutes; during this time, the patient must not scratch the pricked skin area

How to interpret the results of a skin prick test

If the patient is allergic to a substance, a red, raised bump will appear on the skin at the site where that allergen was tested. This shows clearly which allergens the patient is allergic to.
Although the skin prick test is simple and very safe, with the risk of severe allergic reaction only 1 in 1,000,000, it should still be performed in a hospital, with a specialist doctor conducting the test, interpreting the results, and providing treatment.

Preparation before the test: patients must stop taking all antihistamines or anti-itch medications for 7 days. If taking sleeping pills, it is recommended to stop for at least 1-3 weeks before testing.

List of allergens tested 
(selected for each individual as appropriate)

• Outdoor allergens – pollen, grass, mold spores
  • Bermuda grass
  • Johnson grass
  • Kochia
  • Careless weed
  • Mixed mold spores
• Indoor allergens - pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches
  • Cat (dander, saliva)
  • Dog (dander, saliva)
  • American cockroach
  • German cockroach
  • Dust mite
• Food allergens
  • Cow’s milk
  • Soybean
  • Egg white
  • Wheat
  • Fish
  • Shrimp
  • Peanut
  • Pork
  • Beef