Skin prick tests are a fast and reliable test for the diagnosis of food and environmental allergies and our clinics are fully equipped to perform these tests.
The test involves placing a small amount of the allergen on the forearm, followed by a gentle scratch. The scratch is done using sterile lancets and allows the immune system cells under the skin to come into contact with the allergen. This may cause a reaction (a small, itchy spot) which may indicate allergy. It is essential that the test is interpreted by an expert clinician, who has taken a relevant medical history otherwise there is a risk of misdiagnosis.
The test will be carried out by either a specially trained nurse or your doctor on the day of the appointment and the results will be explained to you at the appointment itself.
It is important for the test that any antihistamine containing medicines are avoided for the 5 days prior to the test otherwise they can interfere with the results. Please contact us in advance if you have any questions.