Skin allergy test – Plane tree
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The skin allergy test (prick test) is the standard method for diagnosing IgE-mediated allergies, particularly respiratory and seasonal allergies caused by pollen. It is a quick, safe, and minimally invasive procedure: drops of allergen extracts, including plane tree pollen (Platanus spp.), are applied to the forearm skin, followed by a small superficial prick (approx. 1 mm) with a sterile lancet. If the patient is sensitized, redness and a papule (bump) appear within 15 minutes.
Plane tree pollen contains major allergens such as Pla a1 (polcalcin-binding protein), Pla a2, Pla a3 (lipid transfer protein — LTP), and Pla a6, which can trigger IgE-mediated allergic reactions. Sensitization to these proteins may cause allergic rhinitis, seasonal conjunctivitis, allergic asthma, and, rarely, severe systemic reactions.
Results must be interpreted by an allergist in the context of the patient’s symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.
Purpose of the test
Confirms sensitization to plane tree pollen and helps the physician determine the optimal diagnosis and treatment (antihistamine medications, avoidance of exposure, specific immunotherapy).
Indications
Seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Allergic conjunctivitis during pollen season.
Springtime asthma exacerbations.
Monitoring response to specific immunotherapy.
Preparation
Discontinue antihistamines 3–5 days before the test.
Avoid topical corticosteroids on the forearm area.
Inform the physician about immunosuppressive treatments or prior severe allergies.
Procedure
The forearm skin is disinfected. Drops of positive control (histamine), negative control (saline), and plane tree allergen extract are applied. A superficial prick is made with a sterile lancet through each drop. The skin reaction is evaluated after 15 minutes.
Factors that may influence results
Application technique (prick depth, drop spacing).
Medications: antihistamines, corticosteroids, antidepressants.
Patient age (reduced reactions in young children or elderly).
Presence of dermatographism or local skin conditions.
The prick test is the standard method for detecting respiratory and seasonal pollen allergies (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, allergic asthma). The test is quick, safe, and suitable for all ages.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772829325001572
https://www.allergy.org.au/images/stories/pospapers/ASCIA_SPT_Manual_March_2016.pdf
https://www.riaponline.it/article/view/110
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/all.15902
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19173789/
https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(97)70268-9/fulltext
Preparation:
5–7 days before the test: Stop taking antihistamine medications (on doctor's advice), as they may influence the test result. Avoid topical corticosteroid treatments on the forearms. Do not apply creams, lotions or perfumes to your forearms in the days leading up to the test. On the day of the test: Come with clean skin, no cosmetics applied to the area where the test is done (forearm or back). Tell your doctor about all the treatments you are taking (including dietary supplements or herbs). Avoid drinking too much coffee or alcohol before the test.
