Abstract:

Objective To evaluate the performance of an improved skin prick test in the screening for allergens. Methods A total of 475 patients with chronic urticaria who aged from 3 to 81 years were enrolled in this study, and classified into the control group （n = 235） and research group （n = 240）. Traditional and improved skin prick test were conducted in the control and research group respectively. The allergen detection rate was compared between the two test methods. Results The allergen detection rate was 65.4% and 67.2% respectively for the improved and traditional skin prick test, respectively （P > 0.05）. House dust mites were the most common sensitizing agent. Conclusion The improved skin prick test can offer reliable evidence for clinical diagnosis with a relatively convenient and safe procedure.

Key words: prick test