What do allergy skin test numbers mean?

What do allergy skin test numbers mean?

A positive skin test means that you may be allergic to a particular substance. Bigger wheals usually indicate a greater degree of sensitivity. A negative skin test means that you probably aren't allergic to a particular allergen.

How do you read a skin test?

The skin test reaction should be read between 48 and 72 hours after administration. A patient who does not return within 72 hours will need to be rescheduled for another skin test. The reaction should be measured in millimeters of the induration (palpable, raised, hardened area or swelling).

What does a positive allergy skin test look like?

Positive results are indicated by a wheal – a raised white bump surrounded by a small circle of itchy red skin. In general, a large wheal is more likely to indicate a true food allergy, but size is not always an accurate predictor.

What is normal range for IgE levels?

Laurent J, Noirot C, Ansquer JC, Laurent G, Kestenbaum S, Lagrue G. Variations in the upper limit of normal total serum IgE have been reported: they can range from 150 to 1,000 UI/ml; but the usually accepted upper limit is between 150 and 300 UI/ml.