Automated skin test reading of prick tests with the skin test scanner Nexkin DSPT®

Zusammenfassung der Studie

In this research project, we want to investigate whether skin testing for clarifying, e.g., hay fever can also be evaluated automatically with a device with a high-resolution camera. We want to find out if this device allows for more accurate and faster evaluations than those performed by medical personnel. Prick tests are usually the examination of choice for clarifying respiratory and food allergies in order to prove allergies. Drops of allergy-triggering substances, such as pollen, are applied to the inner side of the forearm. Subsequently, each test site is superficially pierced with a tiny needle (lancet). After 15 minutes, the test can already be read. It is evaluated at which test sites a wheal and redness appear. In the last 20 years, little has changed in the execution. Both the application of the skin test and especially the subsequent evaluation and documentation are performed manually by medical personnel. An automatic reading with direct documentation in the digital clinic system would therefore be a significant simplification. We would like to find out what the advantages of an automated skin test reading device are. To this end, we also want to capture whether more accurate results and a faster evaluation are possible. We will only scan the forearm with the automated skin test reading device using a camera, which means an additional effort of about 3 minutes. No further consultations are necessary for this study.

(BASEC)

Untersuchte Intervention

The study will be conducted as part of a regular allergy clarification, provided that prick tests are performed. Immediately after the reading of the prick tests by the medical personnel, the forearm will be additionally placed under a device with a camera, which will then automatically re-evaluate the skin test. The reading process takes less than 30 seconds, the switch to the device and positioning the arm requires a maximum additional effort of 3 minutes. No further appointments for the study are planned.

(BASEC)

Untersuchte Krankheit(en)

Skin testing for clarifying hay fever/aeroallergies and food allergies

(BASEC)

Sponsor

Inselspital Bern

(BASEC)

Name der bewilligenden Ethikkommission (bei multizentrischen Studien nur die Leitkommission)

Ethikkommission Bern

(BASEC)

Datum der Bewilligung durch die Ethikkommission

08.08.2024

(BASEC)

Ergebnisse der Studie