The relationship between latex skin prick test responses and clinical allergic responses

Background: Allergic responses to latex have been reported more frequently in the past 5 years. Although commercial skin prick test solutions are available and can be used in the diagnosis of latex allergy in some countries, the characteristics of patients sensitized to later relative to their skin test responses have not been reported. Objective: The purpose of this study is to relate the clinical characteristics of patients with later sensitivity to the size of their latex skirt prick test response. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who were attending a hospital-based allergy and asthma clinic and who had positive skin test responses to a commercial latex skin test solution was undertaken. Results: Of 47 patients who had skin test responses to latex, 36 had a mean wheal diameter at least 3 mm greater than the negative control (diluent). Sixty-eight per cent were health care workers. There was a positive association between the size of skin test response and severity of latex-induced symptoms (p < 0.001). A history of banana sensitivity was also associated with larger skin test responses (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The size of the skin prick test response to latex solution that is commercially available in Canada reflects the severity of latex-induced clinical allergic responses.