ORIGINAL STUDY 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 variability of measurements from 4 commonly used single-headed skin test devices when used by multiple operators and examined whether the variability in perfor-mance 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. ” Var-iability 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 measure-ments on the arm compared with the back. Conclusions: The devices using the “puncture ” method (Staller-genes 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 vari-able results compared with the arm