Skin Prick Test (SPT) —
Allergy Testing in Delhi
If you have chronic nasal symptoms, recurrent skin reactions, persistent cough, or unexplained ear problems — identifying your specific allergens with a Skin Prick Test is the essential first step to a targeted, effective treatment plan.
📱 Book Allergy Testing How It Works ↓Identify Exactly What You Are Allergic To
A Skin Prick Test (SPT) is the gold-standard in-clinic allergy diagnostic procedure. It works by introducing tiny amounts of specific allergens into the skin through a small prick — and observing whether a local wheal-and-flare reaction develops over 15–20 minutes. A positive reaction indicates sensitisation to that allergen.
The SPT is fast, safe, minimally uncomfortable and highly informative. Results are available the same day. It is the most evidence-supported, cost-effective method to identify specific IgE-mediated allergy — and the foundation for allergen immunotherapy planning.
For patients living in Delhi with chronic allergic rhinitis, asthma, urticaria or unexplained skin and ear symptoms, the SPT is often the investigation that finally explains years of symptom burden — and opens the door to a targeted long-term treatment strategy.
✔ Chronic or recurrent sneezing, blocked nose or runny nose
✔ Allergic rhinitis symptoms — especially if triggers are not clear
✔ Before starting allergen immunotherapy (allergy desensitisation)
✔ Recurrent skin rashes, hives (urticaria) or eczema
✔ Persistent cough or known or suspected allergic asthma
✔ Children with mouth breathing, snoring, or recurrent ear infections
✔ Food allergy assessment (selected allergens)
✔ Recurrent eye symptoms — itching, redness, watering
✔ Patients who have been on antihistamines without identifying the cause
✔ Monitoring response to ongoing immunotherapy
What We Test For — Common Delhi & India Allergen Panel
The allergen panel is selected based on your clinical history, symptom pattern and the regional allergen prevalence in Delhi and North India. A standard panel typically includes:
🌍 Standard Allergen Panel (Representative)
Panel composition is customised based on each patient’s clinical history and symptom pattern. Your treating physician will select the most relevant allergens for your specific presentation.
How the Skin Prick Test Is Performed
Preparation & Antihistamine Pause
Antihistamines must be stopped 3–5 days before the test (as advised for your specific medication). Nasal corticosteroid sprays do not need to be stopped. Your doctor will give specific instructions at your prior consultation.
Allergen Application
Small drops of allergen extracts are placed on the forearm skin (or upper back). A standardised lancet is used to make a tiny prick through each drop — introducing a minute amount of allergen into the epidermis. This is minimally uncomfortable — most patients describe it as a light scratching sensation.
Reading the Results (15–20 Minutes)
After 15–20 minutes, the skin is examined. A positive result produces a wheal (raised bump) of 3mm or greater above the negative control at the allergen site. Results are measured, recorded and compared against controls — positive histamine and negative saline.
Interpretation & Treatment Planning
Dr Pranshu Mehta will review the results with you in the context of your clinical history. Not every positive result is clinically relevant — correlation with symptoms is essential. The SPT results directly guide allergen immunotherapy selection, environmental avoidance advice and overall management strategy.
Skin Prick Test vs Blood Allergy Testing
🔬 Skin Prick Test (SPT)
- In-clinic, results same day
- Gold standard — highest sensitivity and specificity
- Tests multiple allergens simultaneously
- Preferred for immunotherapy planning
- Requires stopping antihistamines 3–5 days before
- Not suitable if active urticaria or extensive eczema on forearms
🧪 Serum-Specific IgE (Blood Test)
- Blood test — lab results in 2–5 days
- Useful when antihistamines cannot be stopped
- Useful in severe eczema or dermatographism
- Good for young children or needle-phobic patients
- Higher cost per allergen tested
- Slightly lower sensitivity for some allergens
For most patients, SPT is the preferred first-line investigation. In selected cases, both tests may be complementary. Your clinician will advise which is most appropriate for your situation.
Skin Prick Test — Patient Questions
Is the Skin Prick Test painful?
The SPT is minimally uncomfortable. Most patients describe a light scratching or tickling sensation at the test sites. A positive test site may itch for 20–30 minutes — this is a normal reaction and settles on its own. The procedure is safe and well-tolerated by children and adults alike.
How long does the test take?
The application takes 5–10 minutes. Reading takes 15–20 minutes. Your consultation to review results adds another 15–20 minutes. Allow approximately 1 hour for the full appointment including your clinical consultation.
Can I have the SPT done on my child?
Yes. SPT is safe and effective in children from 2–3 years of age. For very young children, the panel is simplified. Results in children are highly valuable — identifying allergens early allows targeted avoidance and immunotherapy that can prevent progression to asthma and the development of new sensitisations.
What happens if I test positive to an allergen?
A positive test means you are sensitised to that allergen. Your clinician will correlate this with your clinical symptoms to determine whether it is the relevant trigger. If confirmed, this guides: specific environmental avoidance advice, medical management adjustments, and eligibility for allergen immunotherapy — which can produce lasting reduction in allergic reactivity to that specific allergen.
How is this different from a food allergy test?
The SPT can test both environmental allergens (dust, pollen, mould, pet dander) and food allergens (peanut, milk, egg, wheat, fish). The same procedure applies. Food allergy testing via SPT is particularly useful for children with eczema, suspected food-triggered allergic disease or recurrent urticaria.
Where is the clinic located?
Rog Nidan ENT & Dental Clinic, C-2/275, Janakpuri, New Delhi – 110058. Serving patients from Janakpuri, Dwarka, Vikaspuri, Uttam Nagar, Punjabi Bagh, Rajouri Garden and across Delhi NCR. WhatsApp +91 98186 35660 to book.
Ready to Find Out What You Are Allergic To?
Book your Skin Prick Test appointment at Rog Nidan ENT Clinic, Janakpuri. Same-day results. Specialist interpretation. A clear direction for your treatment.
📱 WhatsApp +91 98186 35660