Skin Prick Tests

A skin prick test can be used to test for many allergens at the same time. Your consultant will choose which allergens to test for based on your medical history and symptoms.

A skin prick test is usually carried out on the inner forearm. A small drops of liquid containing different allergens is placed on the skin, and the skin under the droplet is then gently pricked with a small lancet. This may feel a little uncomfortable, but isn’t painful.

If you’re allergic to any of the allergens tested, a small, itchy, red bump will appear where the droplet was placed after about 10 to 15 minutes. Your consultant will make a note of any reactions and will create a report outlining your allergies to share with you.

Skin prick tests are generally safe, but mild side effects can occur, such as redness, itching, or swelling at the test site.

Rarely, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) may occur, so the test is performed under medical supervision with emergency treatment available if needed.

Before you have a skin prick test, your Welbeck consultant allergist will take a detailed medical history and ask you about any symptoms you experience and when.

It’s crucial to stop taking any antihistamine tablets (such as cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, chlorphenamine, acrivastine) for at least 48 hours before the skin prick test. This is because they interfere with the tests and give inaccurate results.

Skin prick testing is safe and is not painful. It can be used to diagnose allergies in children and adults, including pregnant women. A positive reaction will make your skin feel itchy at the site of testing and disappear within 30 to 60 minutes. An antihistamine tablet can be taken after the test if itching is uncomfortable.

If your consultant feels that further allergy treatment may be appropriate, they will discuss this with you.

Please contact our Allergy centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our consultant allergists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a skin prick test, you must be referred by either your GP or an allergist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with an allergist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.