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Evaluation of devices for skin prick testing

H S Nelson¹, J Lahr, A Buchmeier

¹National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, Colo. 80206, USA.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

|March 21, 1998

Summary

Skin test devices show significant differences in reaction sizes. Standardizing testing methods is crucial for accurate allergy diagnosis and reliable results in clinical practice.

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Area of Science:

Allergy and Immunology
Dermatology
Medical Device Evaluation

Background:

Previous studies indicate significant variability between percutaneous skin testing devices.
Differences observed in reaction sizes to histamine, allergen extracts, and control sites.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate and compare the performance of new, modified, or newly utilized skin test devices.
Assess variability in skin test device performance.

Main Methods:

Twenty subjects underwent repeated testing with multiple devices (MultiTest II, Duo Tip-Test, Quintest, DermaPik, small pox needle).
Tests were conducted using glycerol-saline and 10 mg/ml histamine base.
Both prick and scarification techniques were employed for relevant devices.

Main Results:

Significant differences were found among devices regarding histamine reaction wheal size (mean diameter 4.28–8.59 mm, p < 0.0001).
Variability in standard errors for histamine wheals (0.82–1.45 mm, p < 0.05) and glycerol-saline wheal size (0.00–2.48 mm, p < 0.0001) was also significant.

Conclusions:

Skin prick testing devices exhibit considerable variation in reaction size at positive and negative sites.
Establishing laboratory-specific criteria for positive and negative skin tests is recommended for each device.

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