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.
Laboratory of Medical Allergology, National University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
L K
LK
Poulsen
C
C
Bindslev-Jensen
J P
JP
Rihoux
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