In an allergy clinic, the SPT medical abbreviation means skin prick test, a quick way to check which substances a person may be allergic to by placing tiny amounts on the skin and watching for a small raised bump.
In physical therapy, the same letters mean student physical therapist, and you will see them after a name at the bottom of a treatment note. The two uses rarely overlap, because one appears in allergy results and the other in a rehab signature line. Both are explained below, with examples of how each appears in a record.
At a glance
Stands for
Skin prick test (allergy testing)Other meanings
Student physical therapist (physical therapy notes)Also called
Prick test, puncture test, scratch test in everyday speechRead after
About 15 to 20 minutesMeasured as
Wheal size in millimeters, compared with controlsSpecialty
Allergy and immunology; physical therapyRelated test
Blood test for specific IgE antibodies
How a skin prick test works
A nurse or allergist places drops of allergen extracts, such as pollen, dust mite, pet dander, mold, or foods, on the forearm or back. A small plastic or metal device lightly pricks the skin through each drop so a tiny amount enters the top layer. It should feel like a light scratch, not an injection.
If the person makes allergy antibodies to that substance, histamine is released and a raised, itchy bump called a wheal forms, often with a red ring, or flare, around it. The results are ready during the same visit.
Reading SPT results
Every test includes two controls. A histamine drop should cause a wheal, which shows the skin can react. A saline drop should not, which shows the skin is not overly sensitive to touch. Each allergen spot is then measured. Many clinics count a wheal about 3 mm or more larger than the saline control as positive.
| What is written | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| SPT positive to dust mite and cat | Wheals formed at those two spots |
| wheal 6 mm | The bump measured 6 millimeters across |
| histamine control 5 mm | The skin reacted normally to the positive control |
| saline control 0 mm | No reaction to the negative control |
A positive test shows sensitization, which is not always the same as having symptoms. An allergist combines the result with the person's history.
Getting ready for allergy skin testing
Antihistamines can block the skin reaction, so clinics often ask patients to stop them for several days before the visit. Some other medicines can also interfere. Only stop a medicine if the allergy clinic or prescriber tells you to, and ask them for a list. Testing may be done on the back in young children, or replaced by a blood test for people with widespread eczema or those who cannot stop certain medicines.
SPT medical abbreviation in physical therapy
The spt medical abbreviation physical therapy meaning is student physical therapist, a person enrolled in a doctor of physical therapy program who is completing clinical rotations. Students evaluate and treat patients under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, who reviews and co signs their notes.
Signature on a rehab note: "Treatment provided by [student name], SPT, under supervision of the treating PT." The note was written by a student and checked by the licensed therapist.
Related letters include PT for the licensed therapist and PTA for a physical therapist assistant.
Which SPT is meant
| Clue | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lists allergens, wheal sizes, or controls | Skin prick test |
| Ordered by allergy, ENT, or pediatrics | Skin prick test |
| Follows a person's name or signature | Student physical therapist |
| Appears in a PT evaluation or daily note | Student physical therapist |
When the letters show up in a section other than these, check the author of the note and the rest of the line. The lab test and scan abbreviation hub lists other allergy and lab short forms.
Questions to ask about skin testing
- Which allergens will be tested, and why those?
- Which of my medicines should be paused, and for how long?
- What does a positive result mean if I have never had symptoms to that item?
- Would a blood test be a better choice for me?
Allergy history is often recorded with short forms such as NKDA and NKA, which say no known drug or other allergies were reported.
Skin test results are interpreted with your history by an allergist. Ask your clinician before changing any medicine to prepare for testing.
Frequently asked questions
What does SPT mean in allergy testing?
SPT means skin prick test. Small drops of allergens are pricked into the top of the skin, and raised bumps after about 15 to 20 minutes suggest an allergy.
What does SPT mean after a name in physical therapy?
It means student physical therapist. The student treats patients under a licensed physical therapist who supervises and co signs the notes.
Does a skin prick test hurt?
Most people feel only light pricks. The positive spots can itch for a while, and the itch usually fades within an hour or so.
Is a skin prick test better than a blood allergy test?
Each has a role. Skin tests give quick results in the office, while blood tests suit people who cannot stop antihistamines or have widespread skin disease.