Compared with the conventional skin prick test (SPT), the novel Skin Prick Automated Test (SPAT) shows equivalent accuracy to detect birch pollen or house-dust mite allergy using a cutoff of 4.5 mm, according to a study published online July 9 in Allergy.

Noting that SPAT previously showed reduced variability and more consistent results versus the conventional SPT for identifying allergic sensitization, Sven F. Seys, Ph.D., from Hippo Dx in Aarschot, Belgium, and colleagues validated the SPAT cut-off in patients with confirmed birch or house-dust mite allergy. Seventy-five adults were included in the study: 25 who were nonallergic, 25 with birch allergic rhinitis, and 25 with house-dust mite allergic rhinitis, confirmed by positive SPT and a nasal allergen challenge.

The researchers found that the highest accuracy for detecting birch and house-dust mite allergy using SPAT was with a cut-off of 4.2 and 4.1 mm, respectively. Noting that previous results suggested a reliable cutoff of 4.5 mm, it was decided to maintain 4.5 mm as the SPAT cut-off indicating allergic sensitization.

No significant difference was seen in accuracy between SPAT (96% using ≥4.5 mm) and conventional SPT (98% using ≥3.0 mm) to detect house-dust mite allergy or birch pollen allergy (100% for both). No significant difference was seen for any of the patient groups using SPAT wheal measurements performed through a ruler on the forearm or through digital measurement on a composite image.

“Validation of the SPAT outcomes in allergic rhinitis patients with clinically relevant respiratory allergy now allows widespread use of the device both in research and clinical practice,” the authors write.

Several authors disclosed ties to Hippocreates. The study was funded by Hippo Dx.

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