Skin Prick Testing
Skin Prick Testing (SPT) for Allergies
Skin prick testing (SPT) is a safe, reliable, and widely used method to identify allergic sensitivities to substances such as foods, pollens, dust mites, animal dander, moulds, and insect venoms. It helps allergy specialists confirm suspected allergies, guide treatment plans, and determine suitability for immunotherapy.
Procedure and Timing
During SPT, small drops of allergen extracts are placed on the skin – usually the forearm or back – and the skin is gently pricked with a sterile lancet (taking around 1-2 minutes). A positive reaction typically appears within 15–20 minutes as a raised, red, itchy bump (wheal) surrounded by redness (flare). Patients are advised to avoid antihistamines for 3- 5 days before testing, as these can interfere with results.
Safety and Side Effects
SPT is very safe when performed in a clinical setting by trained staff. Most reactions are mild and limited to local itching, redness, or swelling at the test site. Severe reactions are extremely rare, but emergency equipment and medications are always available in case of anaphylaxis.
Utility
SPT provides quick, actionable results that guide diagnosis and management, including environmental control, medications, and immunotherapy. It is particularly useful for patients with food allergies, hay fever, asthma, eczema, or insect venom allergy.
By identifying specific triggers, skin prick testing empowers patients and us allergy specialists, to make personalised decisions for treatment and prevention, improving your quality of life and long-term allergy outcomes.
Questions? We got you.
How do I book an appointment?
The first step in booking an appointment is to obtain a referral from your GP or another specialist. While a referral is not required, having one enables you to claim applicable Medicare rebates and helps our team appropriately triage your condition for review. Once you have your referral, you can schedule an appointment by contacting our practice directly or by uploading your referral – our team will be in touch to schedule an appointment.
What do I need to bring prior to my appointment?
Please bring a valid referral letter, Medicare card, and any recent investigation results, previous skin prick or patch testing reports, and relevant medical correspondence. For children, bringing their red book with recent growth measurements is also helpful.
What medications do I need to avoid prior to my appointment?
Avoid antihistamines for 3–5 days before your appointment, as they can affect skin testing. You may continue nose sprays, asthma medications, antibiotics, and steroid creams. Do not apply moisturisers or topical steroids on areas likely to be tested (for example forearms, legs, back).
If you are suffering from a condition that you need to take oral anti histamines or steroids to control to manage your symptoms, continue to take those medications. Our doctors can arrange other forms of testing if required after the consultation.
How long does my appointment take?
Do you offer telehealth services?
We prefer face-to-face appointments but we also offer telehealth consultations for selected patients or circumstances.
How can I get there and where can I park?
Harmony Allergy & Immunology Clinic is conveniently accessible by public transport, including Translink bus services. The Sunnybank clinic offers free onsite parking and street parking is also available around the Sunnybank hospital.
What is skin prick testing, and do I need it?
Skin prick testing applies a small amount of allergen (commercial extract or fresh food) to the skin which is then gently pricked to check for a reaction. The test takes 1–2 minutes, with results read after 15–20 minutes. Your doctor will determine if it’s appropriate for you.
Is skin prick testing safe?
Allergy testing is done by trained staff in a fully equipped medical setting. Reactions are rare, usually limited to mild itchiness at the test site, and can be promptly treated if needed.
How do I prepare for my food challenge?
Ensure you are well and avoid antihistamines 3–5 days before the test. Bring entertainment (toys, books, iPad, laptops) and for children, their favourite foods. You may need to bring the food or drug being tested which the staff will advise. We do not recommend bringing siblings; if necessary, bring an extra support person.
How do I prepare for environmental immunotherapy injections?
Ensure you are well before your appointment. You will be monitored by a health practitioner for at least 30 minutes after your immunotherapy dose. If taking your medication or vaccine home, please bring a small cooler with ice pack.
Are you ready to request an appointment?
Schedule a consultation with our experts to discuss your allergy needs.