Table 3 2008 Practice parameter: recommended proficiency testing and quality assurance technique for prick/puncture skin testing[3]

Procedure

• Using desired skin test device, perform skin testing with positive (histamine 1–10) and negative controls (saline 1–10) in an alternate pattern on a subject’s back

• Record histamine results at 8 minutes by outlining wheals with a felt tip pen and transferring results with transparent tape to a blank sheet of paper

• Record saline results at 15 minutes by outlining wheal and flares with a felt tip pen and transferring results with transparent tape to a blank sheet of paper

Calculations

• Calculate the mean and SDs of each mean wheal diameter

• Determine coefficient of variation (CV) = SD/mean

Quality Standards

• Histamine Control: CV less than 30%

• Saline Control: All negative controls should be <3 mm wheals and <10 mm flares