Comparative performance for immediate hypersensitivity skin testing using two skin prick test devices

J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol. 1995 Nov-Dec;5(6):354-6.

Abstract

Fifty-five patients were skin-tested by Multi-Test (M) and needle prick test (NPT) to compare the reproducibility of the methods. We used 6 allergenic extracts: Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, dog epithelium, cat pelt, American cockroach and mixed molds. A glycerosaline and a positive control (histamine 1 mg/ml) were performed in both methods. Statistically significant differences in histamine and Dermatophagoides farinae wheal reactions between the two methods (M > NPT) were found, with no differences with the other allergenic extracts. We concluded that the two methods are similar with respect to determining the immediate hypersensitivity, but the Multi-Test is better accepted by children.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Allergens / immunology
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Child
  • Female
  • Histamine / immunology
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / diagnosis
  • Skin Tests / methods*

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Histamine