The effect of applied force and device design on skin prick test performance.

Background: Skin prick tests (SPTs) are difficult to standardize, and SPT performance mainly relies on the clinician's expertise. So far, the effect of various factors such as device types, shape, variety of material type, and applied force on the performance of SPT has not been extensively investigated.

Objective: To investigate the effect of various factors, including type or shape of devices, material type, and applied force, on the performance of SPT.

Fabrication and characterization of novel microneedles made of a polystyrene solution.

Nowadays, microneedles are attracting a lot of attention because microneedles can deliver drugs, vaccines and hormones into the body without pain unlike conventional hypodermic needles. Furthermore, microneedles are safe for self-injection and disposal. This work aims to develop novel microneedles made of a solution of polystyrene (PS) in toluene.