Skin Tests
Skin Prick Testing
At our medical practice, we use established skin prick tests, a well-proven and highly reliable diagnostic method for allergy assessment. This approach allows for the rapid identification of environmental, food, and other allergens that may be associated with allergic reactions, providing reliable results within just a few minutes.
The procedure is simple, safe, and virtually painless. It begins with cleaning and preparing the skin on the inner surface of the forearm. Small drops of the allergens to be tested are then placed on the skin. Using a special fine lancet, a gentle, superficial prick is made through each drop, allowing the allergen to come into contact with the superficial layers of the skin.
The results are assessed shortly afterwards, usually within 20 minutes. If sensitization to a particular allergen is present, a small raised wheal surrounded by redness may appear at the test site—similar to a mosquito bite.
This reaction provides the allergist with valuable diagnostic information, helping to develop an individualized treatment and management plan for each patient.
Intradermal Tests: When and How Are They Performed?
Intradermal testing is a highly sensitive diagnostic method selected by the allergist in more complex cases. Its main indications include the investigation of drug allergies and Hymenoptera venom allergies (bee and wasp venom), particularly when assessing previous episodes of anaphylaxis.
The test requires specialized expertise and is performed using appropriate equipment and a very fine syringe. A minimal amount of the suspected allergen is carefully injected just beneath the surface of the skin.
After approximately 20 minutes of observation, the local skin reaction is carefully assessed and recorded.
Intradermal testing is performed exclusively by a specialist allergist in a fully controlled medical environment. The patient may remain under medical observation at the practice for an appropriate period following the test.
Emergency medication and equipment are always immediately available to manage any potential adverse reaction, as patient safety and diagnostic accuracy remain the highest priorities throughout the procedure.
Patch Testing
Patch tests are a painless and highly useful diagnostic method for identifying substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis or are suspected, based on the patient’s medical history, of causing delayed-type allergic reactions, where symptoms may develop several hours or even days after exposure to the suspected allergen.
Patch testing can detect allergies to a wide range of common materials and everyday products, including cosmetics and facial creams, metals such as nickel, detergents, hair dyes, and many other substances.
The procedure involves applying special adhesive patches containing small amounts of selected allergens to the patient’s back. The patches remain in place for 48 hours, allowing sufficient time for a delayed skin reaction to develop.
The patient then returns to the medical practice for removal of the patches and the first assessment. A further evaluation is usually performed approximately 24 hours after patch removal.
To ensure the reliability of the test, the patient should avoid showering or getting the back wet while the patches are in place, as moisture may cause them to loosen or detach. Strenuous physical activity should also be avoided in order to prevent excessive sweating, which may interfere with the test results.
Careful adherence to these instructions helps ensure the most reliable results and provides the allergist with the information required for accurate diagnosis and effective management of the condition.
