Skin prick test
Tiny amounts of allergens are placed on your skin to see what you react to - results in about 15 minutes.
TypeExam
HowSmall drops on your forearm or back, with a light prick.
How oftenWhen allergies are suspected.
BeforeStop antihistamines several days before.
WhoPeople with suspected food or environmental allergies.
Sensitive isn’t the same as allergic
A skin prick test places tiny amounts of allergens on the skin and watches for a raised bump within 15 minutes. It’s fast and sensitive - but a positive result doesn’t always mean a true allergy.
Skin prick
“What am I sensitive to?”
Quick results in clinic.
Fast
Blood (IgE)
“Can’t stop antihistamines?”
Used when skin testing isn’t possible. Learn more.
Alternative
Food challenge
“Is it a real allergy?”
Eating the food under supervision is the gold standard.
Confirm
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You have hay fever, asthma or eczema.
- You react to specific foods.
- You need to know which allergens to avoid or treat.
A better option if…
- You can’t stop antihistamines or have widespread eczema - a blood test is an alternative.
How it’s measured
Skin prick test
Done by an allergist.
The full picture
What is it?
An allergy test on the skin.
What type of test is it?
A clinical exam test.
What does it measure?
Skin reactions (wheals) to specific allergens.
Why might someone consider it?
To identify allergy triggers quickly.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with suspected allergies.
How is it performed?
Drops of allergen and a light prick.
How often might it be considered?
When needed.
What can the result help you understand?
What you’re sensitised to.
What are its limitations?
False positives are common without matching symptoms.
What should it be viewed with?
Symptoms, IgE and food challenge.
Where to get it
Allergists
The usual place for skin testing.
Through your provider
Referral to an allergy clinic.
Hospital allergy services
For complex cases.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Should I stop antihistamines before the test?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
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Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Skin prick test result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test