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Skin Prick Testing Guide for Diagnosis of Allergic Disease

The ASCIA Skin Prick Testing Guide for Health Professionals and a video showing skin prick test demonstrations from the ASCIA 2024 Conference are available open access on this webpage. Information on suppliers and access is available at www.allergy.org.au/members/ascia-member-access-to-spt-reagents

pdfASCIA HP Skin Prick Testing Guide 2024345.29 KB

pdfASCIA HP SPT Guide 2024 References179.31 KB

Skin prick testing:

  • Is recommended as the primary method for the diagnosis of IgE mediated allergies in most allergic diseases.
  • Has advantages of relative sensitivity and specificity, rapid results, flexibility, low cost, good tolerability, and clear demonstration to patients of their allergies.
  • Should only be performed by trained and experienced medical staff, in centres with appropriate facilities to treat systemic, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The responsible medical practitioner should observe the reaction and interpret test results in conjunction with the patient's history and physical examination.

Content updated October 2024