Quantitative determination of skin reactivity by two semiautomatic devices for skin prick test area measurements.
For quantitative use of skin prick tests (SPTs), the circumference of the wheal and/or the flare is outlined by a pen, and transferred to a paper by adhesive tape. The biological response is considered proportional to this area. We have previously developed software, the SPT-scanner, for determination of SPT areas (5-500 mm2) by a hand-held scanner and a personal computer. This study is aimed at comparing the SPT-scanner with another semiautomated system, where the outline of the wheal is followed by a digitizer pen. Comparing 2080 SPT areas from a pharmacological study of cetirizine, the two systems correlated well (r = 0.980, p < 0.001), the digitizer generally giving larger areas than the SPT-scanner. Probably, the line is considered as a part of the wheal/flare in the digitizing system, whereas the scanner only detects areas within the circumference. In conclusion, the SPT scanner is objective and reproducible for rapid SPT area determination.
Poulsen
L K
LK
Laboratory of Medical Allergology, National University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Bindslev-Jensen
C
C
Rihoux
J P
JP
D017332:Cetirizine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012984:Software
D017332:Cetirizine