Comparison of a new Skin Prick Test Tape with the conventional skin prick test

The skin prick test (SPT) has been used as a primary diagnostic tool to detect type I hypersensitivity reactions in individual patients or to screen for atopy in epidemiologic studies.1 Studies comparing the SPT to in？vitro test systems such as ImmunoCap and total serum IgE have shown that the SPT has the best positive predictive value and the best efficiency to diagnose respiratory atopic diseases.2 Furthermore, the SPT gives immediate information for both patients and physicians. Although it is the major diagnostic test for type I immediate hypersensitivity worldwide, such as for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and occupational and food allergy, further developments concerning standardization and ease of application are needed.