Cutaneous testing for allergy diagnosis: comparison of methods in common use

Practitioners who treat allergic patients must be familiar with the tests that are available to assist them in establishing the diagnosis. They must also understand the strengths and weaknesses of each of the techniques, devices, and grading systems at their disposal and that there is no criterion standard skin test. This article discusses the various techniques used in skin testing for allergy, their grading systems, and their advantages and disadvantages.