Table 1 Clinical Diagnostic Sensitivity of Tests for Immediate Hypersensitivity
Allergen | Skin-Prick Test | Intradermal Skin Test | Specific IgE Measurement (RAST |
|---|---|---|---|
Insect venom or drugs | Insufficient sensitivity | Preferred | Complementary to intradermal skin test |
Latex | Standard | Not recommended (risk of anaphylaxis) | Acceptable |
Food | Acceptable | Not recommended (false positives, risk of anaphylaxis) | Acceptable (false negatives) |
Inhalants | Acceptable | (False positives) | Acceptable (false negatives) |