Skin prick testing or SPT demonstrates an allergic response to a specific allergen. In conjunction with an allergy focused history, SPT can help to confirm the presence of an allergy to either an inhaled substance or food (allergen).
SPT is the most common allergy test performed in an allergy office by specially trained medical staff. SPT is a simple, safe and quick test, providing results within 15-20 minutes.
The skin prick test introduces a tiny amount of allergen into the skin, eliciting a small, localized allergic response, in the form of a wheal and flare (redness) at the site of testing. These tests can be carried out on all age groups, including babies.