Although skin prick tests are a widely used tool, the methodology is not well studied. Using standard histamine solution in a highly controlled setting on 40 subjects, a great deal of variation was found in the the size of the wheal from site to site and from subject to subject. This variation suggests that skin prick tests require careful interpretation and that the results may need verification by more sophisticated and reproducible methods. Plasma, serum or urinary histamine testing can be expensive, therefore it is best to have your doctor confirm whether such a test would be useful.
Test Histamine Levels can help with the following
Key
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Glossary
Histamine
A chemical in the body tissues, produced by the breakdown of histidine. It is released in allergic reactions and causes widening of capillaries, decreased blood pressure, increased release of gastric juice, fluid leakage forming itchy skin and hives, and tightening of smooth muscles of the bronchial tube and uterus.
Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.