Allergy skin tests for inhalants and foods - Comparison of methods in common use

This article compares and contrasts the advantages and disadvantages of patch, scratch, prick, modified prick, single dilution intradermal, and skin endpoint titration allergy skin testing techniques. The techniques for performing these skin testing methods and their evolution are described. Skin testing strategies and antigen doses used in testing are compared, reasons for the quantitation of allergic sensitivity are discussed, and methods for quantitation are examined. Finally, the evolution of specialized skin tests to diagnose food hypersensitivity is reviewed. Common factors that are shared by all allergy techniques are stressed.