[Simple allergen skin test device Multi skit (tentative name)].

We have developed a device tentatively named Multi Skit (Mu), a simple allergen test device, in order to conduct the skin test safely, accurately and conveniently. The utility of this device was evaluated by determining how the results obtained by the intradermal test (In) and Mu were correlated with those obtained by IgE RAST (RA) in 65 AD patients. RA values concerning nine antigens were compared to results obtained by the In and Mu in terms of the positive and negative response coincidence rates, overall coincidence rates, and false-positive and false-negative response rates. The correlation between RA data obtained from the literature and the results of the scratch test (Sc) was also evaluated. The results of In and RAST values showed no correlation regardless of the food antigen used. Mu and RAST values showed correlation with respect to all 4 food antigens except soy-bean, resulting in overall coincidence rates of 66.2 to 87.7%, which were higher than those concerning the Sc. With respect to false-positive responses to environmental antigens, the rate obtained by Mu was higher than that by the Sc, but it was lower than that by the In. However, Mu was the most excellent test with respect to the other indices, i.e., positive and negative response coincidence rates, overall coincidence rates (73.9-89.2%) and false-negative responses. The mechanism of Mu makers it possible to minimize variations from one investigator to another, and the major drawback of all other skin tests. Mu is a safe and convenient screening skin test device which provides accurate and specific test results.