Skin Prick Test

What is a Skin Prick Test?

A skin prick test is a simple and safe method of testing whether your child has an immediate allergy (IgE mediated) to a specific allergen. It involves pricking the skin with a variety of allergens which with a lancet. This directly introduces the allergen into the skin, a positive response will a cause a small, localised allergic response, in the form of a wheal at the site of the testing. Skin prick testing is more superior to IgE radioallergosorbent test (RAST) blood test in that it is more sensitive and provides results instantaneously. It is also relatively cheap compared to the RAST testing, making it a popular form of paediatric allergy testing.

Our private paediatric clinic is located at Charlwood, West Sussex, making us easily accessible to treat children living near Crawley, Worthing, Chichester, Waterlooville, Havant, Portsmouth, Brighton, Dorking, Surrey, London, kent and all nearby areas.

Virtual consultations are also available to any patients unable to visit us in-person.

Skin Prick Test

Skin Prick Test

At our paediatric gastroenterology clinic, our dedicated team of private allergy consultants conduct a variety of investigations aimed at improving and resolving your child’s symptoms.

Below, you’ll find detailed information about each investigation, along with answers to common questions you may have.

Should you need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a member of our friendly team.

Investigations

A skin prick test is a simple and safe method of testing whether your child has an immediate allergy.
An ultrasound provides pictures of the structures within the upper abdomen.
Video capsule endoscope (VCE) is designed to capture and transmit images of the lining of the small bowel wirelessly.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is an Imaging tool that uses a power magnetic field.
This test involves swallowing capsules containing radiopaque markers of different shapes.
A pH study is a test which measures gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) over a 24 hour period.
A Hydrogen breath test is a non-invasive and safe investigative test performed in the clinic.
Barium swallow is an X-ray examination of the oesophagus (food pipe) and stomach.
A gastroscopy is a test, which allows us to look at the lining of the oesophagus.
A colonoscopy is a test, which allows us to look directly at the lining of the large bowel.

“My son William had been having various digestive problems. He frequently had stomach ache, felt sick and would get pains in his chest. He also had problems with loose bowels. We attended the gut investigation unit where various tests were performed such as breath test, food allergy prick test, stool sample and blood test. The blood test he was particularly worried about but Femi put him at ease and used the magic cream and he didn’t even feel it. The blood test had to be repeated and he didn’t worry about it the second time. The result was that he had a milk and fructose intolerance. There was difficulty reintroducing and we also paid for a trip to see a dietician for his input and analysis that William was getting essential nutrients. We have worked with this for the last year and changed his diet. He can get away with small amounts of fructose and the occasional bit of cheese on pizza. We still have the odd time that he will complain of feeling sick or having stomach ache but these are not very frequent. Would totally recommend a trip to the unit to see Dr Li and Femi, William has felt so much better since”. Thanks again for your help Femi.