Tell me about a skin prick test

[Hope54321]

I’m considering getting a private skin prick test done for my baby as I watch him suffer everyday, especially at night. He scratches at his skin and grabs and pulls, almost as though he wants to rip it off. He breaks out in hives when consuming certain foods so I kmow he definitely has allergies.

I have a referral, but can’t seem to get an appointment due to covid.

How does the skin prick test work? How much does it cost to have one done on a 7 month old? What if he hasn’t been exposed to certain allergens yet? Will this skew the results?

I can't comment on cost as ours was done on the nhs (first time after an 8 month wait - pre covid!).

They draw a little table on the arm with biro then put drops of the allergens on followed by a little scratch to break the top layer of skin (DS says it hurts but only a tiny bit). Then you wait to see what reactions occur.

I don't think that it will skew the results if he hasn't been exposed to allergens, DS showed reactions to lots of nuts that he had never ever eaten. If they are allergic then they are allergic.

Good luck in finding private testing, we want to test DD because she has always naturally avoided her brothers allergens as we don't have them in the house but we can only find clinics that do blood tests not skin prick testing. No way would she let someone take blood!

If you can afford it then I would do it. We went private and saw the consultant at £250 then skin prick testing was £150. Once we cut the multiple allergens the change is amazing! Still waiting for the first NHS appointment.

@Bert2020

If you can afford it then I would do it. We went private and saw the consultant at £250 then skin prick testing was £150. Once we cut the multiple allergens the change is amazing! Still waiting for the first NHS appointment.

Can I ask where you had it done?

In Surrey

Nuffield Gatwick Spire do the skin prick test for £150. Right next to airport.
We had a very good service there.

Such good prices - I was quoted £600 privately for somewhere in london.

I got mine done for DD at 6mo on the NHS & luckily they had a cancellation so I was seen the week after my referral.

My DD was tested for about 6 allergens inc egg, cows milk, peanut, salmon, sesame and I'm sure there was a few more.

The only one she had had prior was cows milk which she is allergic to.

I found the hardest part of it all was keeping DD and her arms still.

After the appointment I got a letter in the post detailing what had taken place and the results etc and am awaiting to be contacted by a dietician