A skin prick test, or scratch test, is a medical test that identifies substances (termed allergens) likely to trigger an allergic reaction in your body. It is often utilized in the diagnosis of:
During this test, tiny drops of various allergens are applied to your skin—most often on your forearm or back. Then, a very small needle is used to prickle lightly under each drop of skin. If you have an allergy to anything, your skin will respond by swelling, itching, or creating a red bump, much like a mosquito bite.
The test is quick, less than 30 minutes, and safe, with rapid results. It's one of the most common allergy tests used globally.
Read Also: Pediatric Allergies: Common Triggers And How to Keep Your Child Safe
You can take this test if you're always experiencing allergy-like symptoms without knowing the real cause. Doctors prescribe this test to:
Understanding your particular allergens can literally make life more comfortable and manageable. It can enable you to avoid triggers, take preventive medication, and even lead a more carefree existence.
You might be helped by a skin prick allergy test if you have:
This test is typically done in both children and adults who present with signs of allergy. It is not, however, indicated in individuals with some skin diseases or in persons on antihistamines or other allergy drugs, since these can influence the outcome of the test.
The skin prick test is simple and typically performed in an allergy center or clinic. The following is what happens step by step:
Prior to the test, your doctor will require you to discontinue taking steroids, antihistamines, or allergy medications for a few days. This is to maintain accuracy in the results.
Your skin, the inner forearm or upper back is wiped clean and marked with a pen to identify the various allergens being tested.
Allergen extracts (such as pollen, dust mite, pet dander, food proteins) in small drops are placed on the skin in marked positions.
A small lancet or needle is used to lightly prick the skin beneath each drop. This introduces the allergen just under the surface of the skin. It will not bleed, and it will not hurt—only cause a moment's discomfort.
15–20 minutes later, the doctor examines you for a skin reaction. If you are allergic to an allergen, a red spot or hive will develop at the site. How large the spot is indicates how sensitive you are to the allergen.
The skin prick test is safe and largely painless. The needle is extremely small and does not penetrate deeply into the skin. Many individuals have a slight itching or discomfort at the test area, especially if they are allergic to one of the materials.
Only in a few instances can there be a more severe reaction, such as swelling or difficulty in breathing. But only if the individual is very allergic to this, and physicians know how to treat it accordingly.
Every skin reaction is measured against a control sample. If you develop a raised bump or redness at a test site, it indicates that you are allergic to that substance.
These results assist physicians in diagnosing allergies and organizing your treatment accordingly. In certain situations, additional tests such as blood tests or elimination diets might also be recommended to verify the findings.
The allergens selected for your test will vary based on your symptoms, age, and geographical location. Common allergens include:
Your physician will select the most probable allergens to influence you.
The cost of the skin prick test in India differs based on the number of allergens tested, location, and charges of the hospital or clinic. Some charge per allergen, and some provide a fixed amount for a panel of tests.
Here's a table to help you get an approximate idea:
| City | Number of Allergens Tested | Estimated Cost (INR) |
| Mumbai | 30–50 allergens | ₹2000 – ₹4000 |
| Delhi | 30–60 allergens | ₹1800 – ₹3500 |
| Bangalore | 30–50 allergens | ₹2000 – ₹4000 |
| Kolkata | 20–50 allergens | ₹1500 – ₹3000 |
| Chennai | 25–50 allergens | ₹1800 – ₹3500 |
| Hyderabad | 30–60 allergens | ₹2000 – ₹4000 |
| Pune | 20–40 allergens | ₹1500 – ₹3000 |
| Tier-2 Cities | 20–30 allergens | ₹1000 – ₹2500 |
Note: Prices differ depending upon the type of test panel, city, and whether it's conducted at a private allergy clinic or hospital.
If you're searching for a skin prick allergy test near you, Surya Hospital offers reliable testing and expert care to help diagnose your allergies accurately.
Though the skin prick test is widely popular, other types of allergy tests also exist. Here's a comparison:
| Test Type | Invasiveness | Result Time | Accuracy | Use Case |
| Skin Prick Test | Minimally invasive | 15–30 minutes | Highly accurate | Used for environmental & food allergies |
| Blood Test (IgE test) | Blood draw required | Few days | Moderate to high | Suitable for patients on medication or with skin conditions |
| Patch Test | Non-invasive | 48–72 hours | Good for delayed reactions | Used for contact dermatitis (e.g., metal, soap, cosmetics) |
Your doctor will determine the most appropriate test depending on your symptoms and health condition.
Once you have undergone the skin prick test, you may go back to your routine. If your doctor notices any of the test sites are swollen or itchy, he/she may administer a cream to ease the discomfort.
Ensure that:
Allergies can be inconvenient, uncomfortable, and even dangerous. But you don't have to live in fear or confusion. A skin prick allergy test can tell you precisely what your body is reacting to.
The test is easy, risk-free, quick, and inexpensive—particularly when weighed against the long-term expense of untreated allergies. If you are experiencing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, hives, or breathing problems, discuss with your doctor having a skin prick test performed.
By knowing your triggers, you will have greater control over your health and a better quality of life. It may be dust, pollen, food, or pet dander; whatever your allergens are, learning them is the beginning of long-term relief.
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