A series of superficial pin pricks on the arms or back introduces allergens to the patient. This is a quick, convenient, and inexpensive option for diagnosing allergies. After 15-20 minutes, if a raised, itchy bump is present at a prick site, the patient is allergic to that allergen. 

Austin Community College

There are two common procedures used to diagnose Type I Hypersensitivities: 
- Prick Puncture Skin Test (PPST)
- Intradermal Test

Both of these procedures look for  the formation of a raised, itchy bump 15-20 minutes (a wheal-flare reaction). The larger the reaction, the greater the sensitivity to the allergen.

Diagnosing Type I Hypersensitivities

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Prick Puncture Skin Test (PPST)

Allergens are introduced via an injection of a tuberculin needle into the dermis. The presence of a raised, itchy bump after 15-20 minutes indicates the patient is allergic to the allergen.

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