Variability in Skin Prick Test Results Performed by Multiple Operators Depends on the Device Used
Background The variability of skin prick test results when carried out by multiple users has not previously been assessed across different devices or between different sites on the body. Such multiuser variability has important implications for clinical practice.Objectives We assessed the variabilit...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2012-01-01
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| Series: | World Allergy Organization Journal |
| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1939455119304016 |
| _version_ | 1818032031898009600 |
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| author | Rebecca L. Werther, MBBS, FRACP Sharon Choo, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA Katherine J. Lee, BSc, PhD Debra Poole, BNurs Katrina J. Allen, MBBS, BMedSc, FRACP, PhD Mimi L.K. Tang, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA |
| author_facet | Rebecca L. Werther, MBBS, FRACP Sharon Choo, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA Katherine J. Lee, BSc, PhD Debra Poole, BNurs Katrina J. Allen, MBBS, BMedSc, FRACP, PhD Mimi L.K. Tang, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA |
| author_sort | Rebecca L. Werther, MBBS, FRACP |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background The variability of skin prick test results when carried out by multiple users has not previously been assessed across different devices or between different sites on the body. Such multiuser variability has important implications for clinical practice.Objectives We assessed the variability of measurements from 4 commonly used single-headed skin test devices when used by multiple operators and examined whether the variability in performance was different on the back compared with the forearm.Methods Eight adult volunteer ''operators'' were trained in the use of 4 devices: Greer Pick, Quintip, Stallergenes Lancet, and Feather Lancet. Each operator performed a histamine skin prick test with all devices on the backs and forearms of 5 volunteer ''receivers.'' Variability in results was assessed using a multilevel (random effects) regression model.Results After controlling for variation between users and receivers, the residual variability or ''measurement error'' was least for the Stallergenes Lancet, closely followed by the Quintip. The Greer Pick had the greatest variability. There was greater variability in measurements on the arm compared with the back.Conclusions The devices using the ''puncture'' method (Stallergenes Lancet, Quintip) provide less variability in results than those using a ''prick'' method when carried out by multiple users (Greer Pick and Feather Lancet). Testing on the back also gives less variable results compared with the arm. Keywords: device, skin prick test, variability |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-10T06:00:55Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-a61e98557add4c25a86fb8c01aa791a2 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1939-4551 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-10T06:00:55Z |
| publishDate | 2012-01-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | World Allergy Organization Journal |
| spelling | doaj.art-a61e98557add4c25a86fb8c01aa791a22022-12-22T01:59:49ZengElsevierWorld Allergy Organization Journal1939-45512012-01-01512200204Variability in Skin Prick Test Results Performed by Multiple Operators Depends on the Device UsedRebecca L. Werther, MBBS, FRACP0Sharon Choo, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA1Katherine J. Lee, BSc, PhD2Debra Poole, BNurs3Katrina J. Allen, MBBS, BMedSc, FRACP, PhD4Mimi L.K. Tang, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA5Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia;Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia;Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia;; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne,Melbourne, Australia.Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia;Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia;; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia;; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne,Melbourne, Australia.Department of Allergy and Immunology, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia;; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia;; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne,Melbourne, Australia.; Corresponding author.Background The variability of skin prick test results when carried out by multiple users has not previously been assessed across different devices or between different sites on the body. Such multiuser variability has important implications for clinical practice.Objectives We assessed the variability of measurements from 4 commonly used single-headed skin test devices when used by multiple operators and examined whether the variability in performance was different on the back compared with the forearm.Methods Eight adult volunteer ''operators'' were trained in the use of 4 devices: Greer Pick, Quintip, Stallergenes Lancet, and Feather Lancet. Each operator performed a histamine skin prick test with all devices on the backs and forearms of 5 volunteer ''receivers.'' Variability in results was assessed using a multilevel (random effects) regression model.Results After controlling for variation between users and receivers, the residual variability or ''measurement error'' was least for the Stallergenes Lancet, closely followed by the Quintip. The Greer Pick had the greatest variability. There was greater variability in measurements on the arm compared with the back.Conclusions The devices using the ''puncture'' method (Stallergenes Lancet, Quintip) provide less variability in results than those using a ''prick'' method when carried out by multiple users (Greer Pick and Feather Lancet). Testing on the back also gives less variable results compared with the arm. Keywords: device, skin prick test, variabilityhttp://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1939455119304016 |
| spellingShingle | Rebecca L. Werther, MBBS, FRACP Sharon Choo, MBBS, FRACP, FRCPA Katherine J. Lee, BSc, PhD Debra Poole, BNurs Katrina J. Allen, MBBS, BMedSc, FRACP, PhD Mimi L.K. Tang, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, FRCPA Variability in Skin Prick Test Results Performed by Multiple Operators Depends on the Device Used World Allergy Organization Journal |
| title | Variability in Skin Prick Test Results Performed by Multiple Operators Depends on the Device Used |
| title_full | Variability in Skin Prick Test Results Performed by Multiple Operators Depends on the Device Used |
| title_fullStr | Variability in Skin Prick Test Results Performed by Multiple Operators Depends on the Device Used |
| title_full_unstemmed | Variability in Skin Prick Test Results Performed by Multiple Operators Depends on the Device Used |
| title_short | Variability in Skin Prick Test Results Performed by Multiple Operators Depends on the Device Used |
| title_sort | variability in skin prick test results performed by multiple operators depends on the device used |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1939455119304016 |
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