Skin Prick Test

Skin Prick Testing (SPT) is a standardized, minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to identify IgE-mediated allergic sensitization to specific environmental and other allergens. It is particularly useful in the evaluation of patients with allergic asthma, recurrent wheezing, chronic cough, allergic rhinitis, and other respiratory symptoms where an allergic trigger is suspected.During the procedure, small quantities of selected allergens are introduced superficially into the skin, usually on the forearm or back. The test site is carefully observed for a localized wheal-and-flare reaction, which is generally assessed after approximately 15–20 minutes.SPT can help identify sensitivity to common respiratory allergens such as house dust mites, pollens, moulds, animal dander, and cockroach allergens. Identifying clinically relevant allergens may assist in trigger avoidance, environmental control, and individualized management of allergic respiratory disease.The results are interpreted by a qualified clinician in conjunction with the patient's clinical history, symptom pattern, examination findings, and other relevant investigations. A positive skin test indicates sensitization and does not, by itself, establish that the allergen is responsible for every symptom.