OBJECTIVETo study the applicability of Multi-Test II prick device in the skin prick test (SPT) for allergens in children.

METHODSA total of 87 children with allergic diseases who attended the hospital between March and September, 2017 were enrolled as subjects. The SPT for six inhaled allergens and serum specific IgE (sIgE) measurement were performed for all children. SPT was performed with a single-headed device on the left forearm and Multi-Test II prick device on the right forearm. ELISA was used to measure the serum level of sIgE. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess the degree of pain during SPT. The three methods were compared in terms of the detection rates of six allergens, and the sensitivity and specificity of Multi-Test II prick device were analyzed.

RESULTSThere were no significant differences in the detection rates of six allergens among the Multi-Test II method, the single-headed method, and ELISA (P>0.05). Compared with the single-headed method, the Multi-Test II method had a sensitivity of 72.7% and a specificity of 78.2%. Compared with ELISA, the Multi-Test II method had a sensitivity of 73.4% and a specificity of 77.5%. The Multi-Test II method had a significantly lower degree of pain than the single-headed method (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe Multi-Test II method has high sensitivity and specificity and is easily accepted by children, but the test results should be combined with children's medical history and serum level of sIgE when necessary.