Hudpriktest

Hudpriktest, often written huidpriktest, is the skin prick test used in allergy diagnosis to identify IgE-mediated sensitivities to a range of substances. It is a common in vivo method alongside patient history and other tests, and is used for suspected allergies to foods, airborne allergens, animal dander, molds, and certain medicines.

Procedure: A clinician applies small amounts of allergen extracts to the surface of the forearm or back. A sterile lancet lightly pricks the skin, allowing the allergen to enter the epidermis. A positive control with histamine and a negative control with saline are included. After about 15 to 20 minutes, the clinician inspects the site for wheal-and-flare reactions. A wheal of a predefined size, commonly 3 mm or larger than the negative control, is considered positive, indicating sensitization to that allergen. Results are interpreted alongside medical history and may be followed by further testing.

Safety and limitations: The test is generally safe but can cause itching, redness, or swelling at the test site. Rare systemic reactions can occur. False positives and negatives can arise due to recent antihistamine use, skin conditions, or technical factors. Antihistamines and some other medications may need to be withheld before testing.

See also: intradermal testing, patch testing, serum-specific IgE testing. Note: hudpriktest is a spelling variant in Dutch, where the standard term is huidpriktest.