Mnemonics: Diagnosing Allergies

Author: V. Dimov, M.D., Allergist/Immunologist and Assistant Professor at University of Chicago
Reviewer: S. Randhawa, M.D., Allergist/Immunologist and Assistant Professor at LSU (Shreveport) Department of Allergy and Immunology

Allergen solutions for skin prick testing: PONI F

Positive control (histamine)
Occupational allergens (ammonium persulphate, platinum salts, antibiotics, and latex)
Negative control (diluent)
Inhaled allergens (house dust mite (HDM), grass pollen, cat dander, dog hair)
Food allergens

References: Diagnosing allergy. Clinical review: ABC of allergies. BMJ 1998;316:686.

Disadvantages of skin prick test: FISH

Food allergens (less standardized), less reliable than inhaled allergens
Itching
Skin conditions (eczema or dermatographism) interfere with interpretation
Histamine antagonists (antihistamines) suppress skin reaction

References: Diagnosing allergy. Clinical review: ABC of allergies. BMJ 1998;316:686.

RAST and ImmunoCAP advantages: MSSS

Medications (antihistamines) do not influence the test
Skin conditions do not interfere with the test
Safe
Specificity 90% for inhaled allergens

References: Diagnosing allergy. Clinical review: ABC of allergies. BMJ 1998;316:686.

Published: 01/24/2008
Updated: 02/26/2009