SKIN SENSITIVITY TEST
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
Please make an appointment at a designated Labtests Collection Centre
for your Skin Sensitivity (Prick) Test.
For an appointment call: 09 574 7399 - option 4
Bef ore the test, prepare y ourself at home:

Do not take any antihistamine medication f or 72 hours (3 day s) bef ore y our test.

Do not apply any cream or lotion to the test site (the arms or back) f or 24 hours bef ore y our test.

Note: Do not discontinue any oral treatment that y ou may be taking, including asthma medication, oral
steroids and nasal spray s. Continue these as prescribed.

If y ou are taking beta blockers or tricy clic antidepressants please discuss with y our doctor bef ore
hav ing the test.

If y ou are pregnant or may be pregnant please discuss alternativ e testing with y our doctor.
On the day of the test at the Collection Centre:

Y ou must read these instructions and complete a consent f orm bef ore hav ing y our test

If y ou hav e dif ficulty speaking or understanding English please bring someone along with y ou as an
interpreter.

The test will take approximately 40 minutes to complete

The positions f or each allergen to be tested are marked by numbers on y our skin to identif y the
allergens.

The Phlebotomist places a small droplet of each allergen on y our skin and then pricks each one with a
lancet.

Af ter 1 minute the Allergen solution is blotted and then 15 minutes later the result is read and
recorded.

It is important that y ou do not scratch or rub the skin prick areas to av oid any cross contamination and
inf ection.

If y ou hav e asthma or hav e had a sev ere allergic reaction prev iously and hav e any positiv e reactions
y ou will need to remain at the Centre f or 20 minutes af ter the test.

The results are interpreted in the Laboratory and a report sent to y our Doctor.
At home, f ollowing y our test:

Y ou may take or apply any antihistamines prescribed by y our Doctor

If y ou hav e any concerns af ter the test, please contact y our Doctor promptly
For further information, please call: 09 574 7399
Date Issued: 12-Sep-2014
Authorised by: Bus. Manager - Collection Services
PCS-PI-014
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