Dilsen et al listed criteria for interpreting the results of the skin pathergy test (SPT) in a patient with suspected Behcet’s disease. The authors are from the University of Istanbul in Turkey.
Synonym: nonspecific skin hyperreactivity, needle prick test
Method for the skin pathergy test (SBT):
(1) An intradermal prick is made with a sterile blunt needle.
(2) The site is examined at 48 hours for the presence of erythema, papule and/or pustule.
where:
• The authors noted that the intensity of the test results was better when a blunt needle was used compared to a sharp needle.
• Some authors inject normal saline intradermally rather than make a needle prick.
Interpretation:
• A positive skin test reading at 48 hours is specific for Behcet’s Disease.
Skin Change
Diameter
Interpretation
erythema or scratch
NA
negative
papule and erythema
papule < 2 mm
suspect
papule and erythema
papule 2 to 3 mm
1+
papule and erythema
papule > 3 mm
2+
pustule
pustule 1-2 mm
3+
pustule
pustule > 2 mm
4+
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