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Skin prick test for allergies
A test to diagnose food and environmental allergies.
It's a quick and painless test, and you'll get the results quickly.
What is a skin prick test?
A skin prick test is usually the first test to be carried out when looking for an allergen. This test can be done on both children and adults. The test places a series of tiny drops of potential allergens on an area of the skin, usually the forearm or back, and then the skin surface is lightly scratched or pricked to see if localised, itchy red bumps, form within the monitored period of time.
A skin prick test is a quick, painless and effective way for doctors to test for common allergens which are causing asthma, hay fever, eczema, or food allergies. The tests guides how the condition is managed by pinpointing triggers to avoid or treat.
Before the test is carried out, we will take a detailed medical history from you. Your test will be carried out by either a specially trained nurse or your consultant. This test is usually carried out on the inner forearm.
A small drop of the allergen will be placed on your skin. Your skin will then be pricked through the drop using the tip of a small, sharp surgical instrument (a lancet) to see if there is a reaction. This may be a bit uncomfortable but isn't painful. The area of skin has been pricked will quickly get itchy, and a small swollen and red mark called a wheal will appear. Your results will be explained to you at the appointment.
It's very important that you stop taking any medicines that contain anti-histamines (anti allergy medication) a week before you have the test. This includes cetirizine, loratatine and avoid piriton for 72 hours before the test. By stopping the medication it will stop them interfering with your test results. Your doctor will let you know if there are any risks and side effects involved.
Your consultant will look at your results and talk these through with you. They may recommend further tests.
Our Skin prick test for allergies locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street London W1G 8BJ
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street London W1W 5AH
Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
Devonshire Street London W1G 7AF
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street London SE1 9BS
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.