The Prick test is a type of allergy test that is done by placing substances that could cause allergies in the forearm, allowing it to react for about 15 to 20 minutes to have the final result, that is, to be verified whether there was a body response to the potentially allergenic agent.
Despite being very sensitive and can be performed on people of all ages, the result is more reliable from 5 years old, since at that age the immune system is already more developed. The Prick test is quick, performed in the allergist's own office and provides results within minutes, being important for the most appropriate treatment to begin.
What is it for
The Prick test is indicated to check if the person has any type of food allergy, such as shrimp, milk, egg and peanuts, for example, respiratory, which can be caused by dust mites and house dust, by insect bites or by latex, for example.
Most of the time, the Prick test is performed together with the test for contact allergies, in which an adhesive tape containing some potentially allergenic substances is placed on the person's back, being removed only after 48 hours. Understand how the allergy test is done.
How is done
The Prick test is fast, simple, safe and painless. In order for this test to be carried out, it is recommended that the person suspended the use of anti-allergens, in the form of pills, creams or ointments, for about 1 week before the test is performed, so that there is no interference in the result.
Then, the forearm is cleaned, which is the place where the test is performed, using 70% alcohol. It is important that the forearm is also observed in order to identify any signs of dermatitis or lesions, because if these changes are noticed, it may be necessary to do the test on the other forearm or postpone the test
After preparing the region, a drop of each potentially allergenic substance is applied with a minimum distance of 2 centimeters between each one. After the application of the substances, a small perforation is made through the drop in order to make the substance come into direct contact with the organism, leading to an immunological reaction. Each perforation is made with a different needle so that there is no contamination and interfere with the final result.
Then, it is indicated that the person remains in the environment where the test was performed so that the reaction is observed. The final results are obtained after 15 to 20 minutes and it is possible that during the wait, the person notices the formation of small elevations in the skin, redness and itching, indicating that there was an allergic reaction. Although itching can be quite uncomfortable, it is important that the person does not itch.
Understanding the results
The results are interpreted by the doctor by observing the presence of redness or elevations in the skin at the place where the test was performed, and it is also possible to determine which substance triggered the allergy. The tests are considered positive when the red elevation in the skin has a diameter equal to or greater than 3 mm.
It is important that the results of the Prick test are evaluated by the doctor taking into account the person's medical history and the result of other allergy tests.
