Skin Prick Allergy Testing for airborne allergies

Kitty's picture
Submitted by Kitty on Tue, 11/23/2010 - 21:59.
Name Of Test Or Operation: 
Skin Prick Allergy Testing for airborne allergies
Reason The Test Or Operation Was Carried Out: 
To ascertain which allergens were causing Rhinitis and chest problems
What Was Your Experience Of The Test/Operation: 
The test was done in Outpatients by a nurse. About 10 drops of airborne allergens, and a 'control' were put onto our sons arm and a small device is used to painlessly 'prick' the skin where each drop is placed. They use a biro to write next to each drop what that allergen was. We were asked to wait in the waiting room for 15minutes and our son wasn't allowed to scratch his arm. After 15minutes they look for red or swollen marks by each drop and they measure them to check how serious the reaction is so they can judge how allergic your child is to that allergen.
Next Steps: 
You see the consultant again after the tests to determine any drugs needed and how to avoid the allergen.
After Care: 
The red swollen lumps on his arm went down very quickly and no after care was needed. This may be different if a child is anaphylaxis though.
ShareThis
Bookmark/Search this post with: