Skin Prick Test Singapore

What is a Skin Prick Test?

A skin prick test is an allergy test to identify allergies such as dust mites, pet, mould and pollen allergies. It is important to test for these allergies because they are potentially treatable and curable with immunotherapy (click here to read about Sublingual Immunotherapy).

This is particularly useful for patients who suffer from allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria (skin rash) and atopic eczema.

Skin prick test is a simple and quick test that can generate results within 20 minutes.

How is Skin Prick Test Done?

Skin prick test is usually performed on the inner forearm or upper back.

The test site is first cleaned with alcohol. Small markings will then be drawn on your skin and a drop of allergen extract is applied to the marked area. Tiny lancets that barely penetrate the skin surface will be used to introduce a minute amount of the allergens into the skin.

Is it painful?

Skin prick test is not painful. There will be no bleeding and most patients report only mild discomfort at the test area which subsides quickly. Your skin may itch where the allergen is placed if you have a sensitivity to the particular allergen.

How long does it take?

The test typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Your skin will then be observed for specific skin reactions, also known as wheals.

Wheals appear as red, raised and itchy bumps that may look like mosquito bites. The bump’s size will then be measured to confirm the allergic reaction.

How should I prepare for the test?

Oral anti-histamine medication should be avoided for at least 3-7 days prior to the test as it may affect the results.

Is this Skin Allergy Test safe?

Skin prick test is a very safe test. The amount of allergens tested on the skin is very minimal. The test is only performed in the clinic so that our doctor will be able to monitor and look out for possible severe allergic reaction. Severe reaction to skin prick test is rare.

Is the Skin Prick Test suitable for Everyone?

Skin prick test may not be suitable for those who have had life-threatening allergic reactions to certain allergens because the test would be too risky for them.

It is also not suitable if you suffer from severe eczema or psoriasis on the areas that will be used for skin prick test, or if you are unable to stop oral antihistamine medication prior to the test.

An IgE blood test will be a suitable alternative for these patients.

A.) Food Skin Prick Test Package:

The Skin Prick Test includes the following 13 Food allergens:
(Single allergen Skin Prick is also available)

Egg
Cow’s Milk
Peanut
Almond
Wheat
Soy
Prawn
Codfish
Gluten
Sesame
Squid
Crab
Clam

B) Non-Food Skin Prick Test Package:

The Skin Prick Test includes the following 12 Non-food allergens:
(Single allergen Skin Prick is also available)

1. Aspergillus Fumigatus (Fungus)
2. Alternaria Alternata (Fungus)
3. Bermuda Grass (Grass)
4. Timothy Grass ( Grass)
5. Cat’s Dander
6. Dog’s Dander
7. Blomia Tropicalis (Mite)
8. D. Pteronyssinus (Mite)
9. D. Farinae (Mite)
10. American Cockroach
11. Germen Cockroach
12. Mugwort ( Weed Pollen)
13. Ragweed Pollen

3.) Comprehensive Skin Prick Test Package:

The Comprehensive Skin Prick Test includes the following 22 food & non-food allergens:
(Single allergen Skin Prick is also available)

FOOD ALLERGENS :	NON-FOOD ALLERGENS:
Egg	Aspergillus Fumigatus (Fungus)
Cow’s Milk	Alternaria Alternata (Fungus)
Peanut	Bermuda Grass (Grass)
Almond	Timothy Grass (Grass)
Wheat	Cat’s Dander
Soy	Dog’s Dander
Prawn	Blomia Tropicalis (Mite)
Codfish	D. Pteronyssinus (Mite)
Sesame	D. Farinae (Mite)
Gluten	American Cockroach
Squid	German Cockroach
Crab	Mugwart (Pollen)
Clam	Ragweed (Pollen)