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An In Vitro Skin Irritation Test (SIT) using the EpiDerm Reconstructed Human Epidermal (RHE) Model
Published on: July 13, 2009
Comparison of test devices for skin prick testing
Warner W Carr1, Bryan Martin, Robin S Howard
1Department of Allergy and Immunology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA. wmcarr@comcast.net
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|August 20, 2005
Summary
Comparing eight allergy skin testing devices revealed significant performance differences. Multiheaded devices showed greater pain and variability, while single devices yielded larger reactions on the arms.
Area of Science:
- Allergen immunotherapy
- Diagnostic testing
- Dermatology
Background:
- Allergy skin testing is crucial for developing avoidance plans and immunotherapy prescriptions.
- Optimizing allergen skin testing requires devices that minimize false results and patient discomfort.
- Limited head-to-head data exists for newly developed multiheaded skin testing devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the performance of eight commonly used allergy skin testing devices.
- To evaluate device performance in a head-to-head prospective study.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, double-blind evaluation of eight skin test devices.
- Testing with histamine and saline on arms and back across four sessions.
- Assessment of wheal, flare, pain, sensitivity, specificity, and intradevice variability.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in performance were observed across all tested devices.
- Multiwheaded devices exhibited greater intradevice variability and pain compared to single devices.
- Reactions were larger on the back for multiheaded devices and on the arms for single devices.
Conclusions:
- Statistically significant performance differences exist among allergy skin testing devices.
- Device selection should consider practice setting and technician training.
- Data aids allergists in choosing optimal devices for patient care.
