Can rubbing the skin negate the results of a skin prick allergy test? (gated)

[T2015]

My 2 year old had a skin prick test on his forrarms. He was seated on my husband's lap facing forward. Immediately after the allergen was placed on one of toddler's forearms, my husband turned that arm inward against my toddler's chest, with the allergen side now being against my toddler's shirt. My husband then held his other forearm out while the no-name badge, silent nurse continued to prick the other forearm. I was afraid the allergens had rubbed off so I unfolded my toddler's compromised arm and regretted I did not do it sooner. It was folded inwards for 10 seconds max. That whole arm, which was folded inwards against my son's belly, was negative for allergies except for 1 spot, which was located on the farthest outer part of his forearm, and did not come in contact with my son's shirt.

Does anyone know if what my husband did (and nurse ignored) negated the results of the allergy test? It happened in clear view of the nurse but maybe she was lazy to reapply everything on that arm and start over. She did not give us any instructions at all. After the allergens were placed on the second forearm, I made sure my toddler did not touch his arms against anything. The whole thing was a horrible experience (not going there again) but that's another story. Has this happened to anyone? I know this test is not a 100 % accurate or a true diagnostic test and that there is a slight prick / scratch/ puncture to the skin when the allergen is placed. I'm just so upset over the whole experience, including with the doctor, and I can't find much online about it either. I would appreciate some feedback.

[TheWatchmen]

Aren't skin prick tests notoriously inaccurate, yielding false positives a great percentage of the time?


Skin Prick Tests - Food Allergy Research & Education

[apexgds]

I know you're new to C-D, but you might want to spend some time exploring all the various forums. Your question isn't specific to Northern Virginia, and would yield better results in the Allergies subforum.

[T2015]

Yeah but they're still being done and in conjunction with a blood test, oral food challenge, person's history, they can still be helpful.

[T2015]

Originally Posted by apexgds

I know you're new to C-D, but you might want to spend some time exploring all the various forums. Your question isn't specific to Northern Virginia, and would yield better results in the Allergies subforum.

Ah ok. I'll repost in the suggested allergies forum. Thanks for the tip.

[ChristineVA]

The answer is yes.

That's why when you have it done, you aren't to put clothes on while you wait or lean against anything.

My son was allergy tested an early age and they always did it on his back when he was very young so they could control better what happened to his skin after the allergen was applied. It was only when he was about 5 or 6 years old that they also started using his arms.

[Carlingtonian]

Yes, but only if you do it in Northern Virginia.