ABSTRACT

The differences observed in prick test results are discussed to be related to several factors such as; variances in atopy prevalence in different regions, the location test is applied, time and test device used. In this study it is aimed to compare positive and negative control results determined in prick test with needle and lancet methods. Ninety-one (91) atopic patients were included in the study. Positive control (10mg/ ml histamine hydrochloride) and negative control (glycerol with phenol) are applied to the inner surface of one forearm by single headed prick test needle and to the inner surface of the other forearm with 1 millimeter headed sterilized lancet. Histamine and glycerol edema diameters determined with two devices are compared with Mann Whitney method. Both histamine and negative control edema diameters are determined to be statistically significantly higher in prick test applied with lancet than needle. Although, the finding which is reported to be observed due to the traumatic effect of lancet conforms to many researches in literature, new studies are required