What is Skin Prick Test
The skin prick test is a common method of determining whether a person is sensitised to various allergens. It can also determine a person's degree of sensitivity to various allergens. The skin prick test is economical, and the results are immediate.
A small needle is used to gently prick the skin with a drop of fluid containing a known allergen. It is usually done on the forearm. The test is usually not painful.
A positive reaction to the skin prick test occurs when the skin around the needle prick becomes itchy and red, with the development of a white swelling called a wheal. The wheal reaches its maximum size in about 15 to 20 minutes, and the reaction fades within a few hours. The larger the wheal, the more likely it is that you are allergic.
The home-based allergy skin prick test extends our services to the comfort of your home. Our allergy nurse will conduct the skin prick test, offer you insights about your test results, and follow up with you for additional care if needed.
We offer four allergen panels:
The allergens not listed in your selected panel but available in the other three panels can be added on at $43.60 per allergen. Please inform us if you would like to purchase any of the add-on allergens when making your appointment.
Asia Environment
$395
Allergens list
- Blomia Tropicalis - Dust Mite
- Farinae - Dust Mite
- Pteronyssinus - Dust Mite
- Bermuda Grass - Local Grass Type
- Bahia Grass - Local Grass Type
- Wild Grasses (Winter Rye Grass, Kentucky Blue Grass, Timothy Grass, Cock’s Foot Grass) - Foreign Grass Type
Global Environment
$395
Allergens list
- Blomia Tropicalis - Dust Mite
- Farinae - Dust Mite
- Pteronyssinus - Dust Mite
- Cat Dander
- Dog Dander
- Aspergillus - Mould
Asia Food
$395
Allergens list
- Cow’s Milk
- Egg Whole
- Shrimp
- Crab
- Mussel
- Fish Mix (Cod Fish, Flounder, Halibut)
- Raffles Home-Based Skin Prick Test is offered by Raffles Internal Medicine Centre (Singapore).
- The price is in Singapore dollars and inclusive of GST.
Frequently Asked Questions
While skin prick tests are usually reliable, certain factors, such as antihistamine use before the test, can lead to false-negative results. There is also a rare chance of false-positive results, where a patient appears to be allergic to an allergen, but they are not. Such false-positive results could be caused by skin demographism.
Skin prick tests are a safe and cost-effective procedure for both children and adults.
A skin prick test is a procedure that is not very invasive and should not cause significant pain. The lancets used only penetrate the top layer of skin, which means that it does not result in bleeding. You may feel some slight discomfort, similar to a surface scratch, but this typically goes away within a few hours.
The test itself takes around 10 minutes to complete, and you can typically see the results within 15 to 30 minutes.
While a skin prick test has several benefits, it also has a minor disadvantage. There is a small chance of an allergic reaction occurring during the test, making it important for a medically trained professional to perform the test.
Although skin prick tests can be performed on children above 6 months of age, we are providing the home-based skin prick test to patients at least 14 years old.
No, fasting is not required for a skin prick test. You can eat and drink before the test, but it is advisable to avoid any food or drink that has previously caused an allergic reaction and antihistamine at least 7 days before your appointment.
A skin prick test typically yields results within 15 to 30 minutes, whereas a blood test takes longer. Skin prick tests are often more sensitive and can detect allergies that blood tests may not pick up. However, the choice between the two depends on individual circumstances and should be determined with a doctor's guidance.
The doctor may combine skin-prick test results with allergy blood test results and clinical symptoms to conclude allergy.
Yes, a cancellation fee of $10 will be charged if cancellation is done at least 48 hours before the schedule time. Refund will not be permitted for cancellation under 48 hours prior to the appointment.
Please take note of these instructions before your appointment:
- Upon purchase confirmation, our staff will contact you to confirm your residential address and date & time of appointment.
- Please refrain from consuming anti-histamine at least 7 days prior to your appointment. Should consuming anti-histamine be necessary, please contact us to postpone the appointment.
- If your forearm developed skin rashes and/or eczema, the skin prick test would be conducted on either the skin area of your outer thigh or back.
- Patients with dermatographia condition are advised to do IgE blood tests as they are unsuitable for skin prick tests.
- Please inform the allergy nurse of any health conditions, and the allergy nurse will advise your suitability for a skin prick test.
Additional Note:
- Skin prick test results will be photographed after the test is completed.
- Although skin prick tests can be performed on children above 6 months of age, we are providing the home-based skin prick test only to patients at least 14 years old.