The puncture test is a type of allergy test that is performed by placing substances that can cause allergies to the forearm, allowing you to react for about 15 to 20 minutes to get the final result, i.e. check. whether there was a bodily response to the potentially allergenic agent.
Although it is very sensitive and can be practiced in people of all ages, the result is more reliable from the age of 5, because at this age the immune system is already more developed. The puncture test is fast, is done in the allergy office itself, and provides results in minutes, which is important to start with the most appropriate treatment.
- The bite test is indicated to check if the person has any type of food allergy.
- Such as shrimp.
- Milk.
- Eggs and peanuts.
- For example.
- Respiratory.
- Which can be caused by mites and household dust.
- By insect bites or latex.
- For example.
Most of the time, the puncture test is done at the same time as the contact allergy test, in which a tape containing potentially allergenic substances is placed on the person’s back and not removed until after 48 hours. Understand how the allergy test is performed.
The Prick test is fast, simple, safe and painless. For this test to be performed, it is recommended that the person discontinue the use of antiallergics, in the form of pills, creams or ointments, for approximately 1 week before the test is completed, so that there is no interference in the result. .
The forearm is then cleaned, which is where the test is performed, using 70% alcohol. It is important that the forearm is also observed to identify any signs of dermatitis or injury, because if these changes are found, the test may be necessary on the other forearm or postpone the test.
Once the area is prepared, a drop of each potentially allergenic substance with a minimum distance of 2 centimeters is applied between each. After application of the substances, a small perforation is performed through the droplet to put the substance in direct contact with the body, causing an immune reaction. Each puncture is performed with a different needle so that there is no contamination and interferes with the final result.
It is then indicated that the person remains in the environment where the test was performed so that the reaction is observed.The final results are obtained at 15 to 20 minutes and it is possible that during the wait, the person will notice the formation of small elevations of the skin, redness and itching, indicating that there has been an allergic reaction.Although itching can be quite uncomfortable, it is important that the person does not bite.
The results are interpreted by the doctor when observing the presence of redness or elevations of the skin at the place where the test was performed, and it is also possible to determine which substance triggered the allergy.Tests are considered positive when the elevation of the red skin has a diameter of 3 mm or more.
It is important for your doctor to evaluate the results of the Prick test based on the person’s clinical history and the results of other allergy tests.