Skin prick test: INHL

Testing Laboratory

Department

Immunology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

INHL

Test Code (Numeric Code)

7575

Laboratory Handling

Laboratory

LabPlus Immunochemistry

Sample Stability

N/A

Synonyms

Skin prick test, Skin sensitivity test, SPT, Immediate hypersensitivity test

Turnaround Time

3 days

Testing is performed based on Immunology clinic schedule and appointments scheduled for community patients.

Specimen Type

• N/A

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• N/A

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• N/A

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Please note: Immediate hypersensitivity skin testing requested by GPs and specialists external to ADHB must be referred to Awanui Auckland.
Outside hospital/specialist referrals for skin testing should be sent to allergy@adhb.govt.nz
Clinical allergy referrals must go through central referrals.

For ADHB clinicians, skin prick tests to a wide range of aero and food allergen can be performed via the Virology/Immunology laboratory. Please call the Clinical Immunologist (ext 22106) to discuss which tests are appropriate, or laboratory scientist (021326759) to arrange an appointment for your patient. Written referrals may be sent directly to the Virology/Immunology Laboratory or the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Clinic. In this case the patient will be contacted directly to make an appointment.

All queries about appointments for skin prick tests are to be made to 021326759.

All referrals for anaesthetic allergy testing (both local and general) should be sent directly to the Anaesthetic Allergy Clinic, Department of Anaesthesia, Auckland City Hospital.

Test Method

The skin test involves the injection of a small amount of a standardised concentrate of allergen into the upper layer of the skin, either by prick or intradermal injection with the usual site being the forearm. This results in the release of mast cell mediators causing a characteristic wheal and flare reaction in the sensitive patient. The size of the wheal is compared to the reaction obtained with a positive and negative control.

Limitations / Interference

Antihistamines or drugs with antihistamine activity may interfere with SPT.

AVAILABLE SKIN TEST ALLERGENS

Grass pollen:
-Perennial Rye
-Timothy
-Grass mix

Tree pollen:
-Acacia
-Birch
-Olive

Weeds:
-Plantain

Moulds:
-Alternaria
-Aspergillus
-Cladosporium
-Penicillum

Animal:
-Cat dander
-Dog dander
-Cow dander
-Horse dander
-Rabbit dander
-Guinea pig dander

Fruit:
-Avocado
-Banana
-Kiwifruit

Fish:
-Codfish mix
-Salmon
-Sardine
-Tuna

Shellfish:
-Crab
-Lobster
-Mussel
-Oyster
-Shrimp

Meat:
-Chicken
-Beef/Veal
-Pork

Dairy:
-Cow's milk

Legumes:
-Peanut
-Soybean

Grains:
-Barley
-Oat
-Rice
-Rye
-Wheat

Nuts:
-Almond
-Brazil
-Cashew
-Hazelnut
-Macadamia
-Pecan
-Pistachio
-Walnut

Miscellaneous Food:
-Egg-whole
-Yeast
-Mustard
-Sesame
-Anisakis

Miscellaneous inhalant:
-D.pteronyssinus
-D.farinae
-Cockroach
-Latex

Anaesthetic agents (Intradermal):
-General anaesthetic drugs
-Local anaesthetic drugs

Venoms (SPT & Intradermal):
-Honey bee
-Vespula
-Polistes

Penicillin (SPT & Intradermal):
-Benzyl penicillin
-Penicilloyl polylysine
-Minor determinants
-Amoxycillin
-Amoxycillin + Clavulanic acid
-Flucloxacillin

Contact Information