Can I trust the skin prick test's accuracy for pet allergy?

Question

Hello doctor,

My family is interested in a pet, and I have had negative skin prick and blood work tests for dander. Occasionally, when I interact with animals, I have a reaction, but it is difficult to determine whether it is actually the pollen that I am highly allergic to.

Before we bring a pet in, and before my kids become bonded, is it reasonable to assume negative tests will translate into no reactions?
How accurate are skin prick tests for predicting positive reactions?
Is it reasonable to assume negative tests will translate into no reactions?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Skin prick allergy testing is one of the most accurate ways of diagnosing the allergen to which one is sensitive. It is definitely more accurate than blood ImmunoCAP testing (blood allergy testing). Skin prick testing checks your sensitivity to the protein in question.

Even if you are sensitive, it need not mean you are allergic. Whereby, a positive result does not always mean you will have an allergy to the protein. It means that your immune system is sensitized to that allergen and that an allergy can occur in subsequent exposures to the allergen. A negative in skin prick testing will mean that you are not sensitive to that protein and that you will not end up with an allergy upon its exposure. This is true. But it is specific for the particular type of allergen.

What all animal dander was included in your profile, and what was the response to each?
Is there a photograph or record of the wheal or flare that developed after each prick?
Was the test read by a clinical allergist or immunologist, and were you provided a report as to whether you are not allergic to any animal dander?
Were you diagnosed with pollen allergy or sensitivity?
Have you observed any symptoms of allergy while in gardens or bushy areas? Or in any particular season?
Does anyone else in your family have allergies?

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Did you get itching every time you were around a dog? Or was it only occasionally?

I would say that your family can safely get a pet. If you are allergic to molds and house dust mites, then you must be careful with the pet also, as animal fur has the potential to harbor house dust mites, in addition to carpets, curtains, and bedding of your house. You must bathe the pet regularly, and keep him neat and clean.

But, coming to your question, you can say that you are not allergic to animal dander if you have obtained negative results with skin prick testing for those proteins. Bringing a pet home will not cause allergy in you, unless the pet harbors house dust mites or molds on its skin or fur.

I hope that you get your answer.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.