Skin Prick Testing for Food Allergens in a Peripheral Metropolitan Unit

Abstract

Background: Skin prick testing (SPT) is a standard method of testing for allergies including food allergies. However, differentiation between allergy and sensitization requires clinical interpretation. Our aim was to describe the referral patterns and SPT results for food allergens in a cohort of children referred to a peripheral SPT unit at Mt Druitt Hospital, in Western Sydney. Methods: This was a retrospective case record review. Results: Over 1 year, 380 children were referred for SPTs. Of these, 295 had an SPT for at least one food allergen. Of these 295 children, 225 had a confirmed or suspected food allergy (FA), of whom 180 were positive on SPT for at least one food allergen. Children with asthma and/or eczema without a confirmed or suspected FA were less likely to have a positive SPT for food (P < 0.001). Conclusions: A child in this setting with a diagnosis of asthma and/or eczema in the absence of a clear diagnosis of FA is less likely to have a positive SPT for food. Int J Clin Pediatr. 2021;10(4):65-69 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/ijcp452