Book Review: “Skin Prick Test – Standards of Practice for Diagnosis of Allergy” by Dr. Pendakur Anand

So far, I have reviewed some non-fiction books; however, I haven’t reviewed any of the medical science books yet—the authors have been very kind and have sent me complimentary copies of these books. But reviewing all those would take me ages.

In medical sciences, where the literature is normally thick and seldom out of highly specialized circles, the greatness of this book on the subject by Dr. Pendakur Anand, Skin Prick Test – Standards of Practice for Diagnosis of Allergy, is hard to come by—in-depth, accessible, and comprehensive. Ranked as the father of Nasal Allergy Science in India, Dr. Anand’s works represent a monumental milestone in the realm of allergy management, and this book is one of the essential guides that no practitioner, student, or researcher can afford to miss. This text, in many ways, is like the Bhagavad Gita for the diagnosis of allergies, since it lays down standards of practice for the Skin Prick Test (SPT) with clarity, wisdom, and rigor. It serves as a ready reckoner for diagnosing allergies, wherein all necessary information required to diagnose allergies is available under one roof. Moreover, it can be called an allergy encyclopedia because it represents a wide spectrum of different allergens described in literature and, therefore, becomes an indispensable tool for doctors.

A pioneer in the field of managing nasal allergies, the name of Dr. Anand has almost become synonymous with the subject. His contributions to the field are unmatched, right from devoting his lifetime to the study and management of nasal allergies and the Skin Prick Test. Since the early days of his medical practice, Dr. Anand has been a stalwart in organizing workshops and training sessions across India, even in SAARC countries, producing a generation of doctors who understand the science of allergy testing and management. This is evident in this book, where he distils years of experience into a work that is both scholarly and practical; he is as devoted to his craft as to his students.

Presentation-wise, this book is a non-conformist. The hard-bound, square-shaped volume commences with a touching dedication by Dr. Anand to his parents and mentors. While most readers may overlook this section, it conveys a very important message regarding how parents and teachers form the very foundation of our lives. The emotional acknowledgment of Dr. Anand to all those who moulded him as a person and as a professional gives a personal touch to what is often considered a clinical field. It reminds us that every medical advancement has a human story of love, guidance, and mentorship.

It is prefaced by another towering figure in the arena, Prof. N. D. Purushotham, a stalwart from Karnataka in Otorhinolaryngology. His introduction adds gravitas to the book by situating Dr. Anand’s work within the broader context of allergy management and nasal allergy research in this country. Prof. Purushotham’s words not only underscore Dr. Anand’s legacy but also serve to set the tone for the reader to appreciate the depth of expertise contained within the pages.  Dr. D. M. Tripathi from Mumbai and Dr. K. S. Satish from Bangalore join Dr. N. D. Purushotham’s chorus line.

We can divide the book neatly into three sections, although no specific identity is given to each. The first one deals mainly with standards for practice concerning SPT, the gold standard in the diagnosis of allergies. Comprehensive and at the same time concise, in the sense that the reader will not feel inundated, but when leaving, they will be armed with all the necessary tools to understand and perform this test. Clarity of thought and the ability to break down complex procedures into understandable steps mark the effort from Dr. Anand here.

The second half might be regarded as an encyclopedia of allergens. What I appreciate most is that Dr. Anand has painstakingly collected pictures of each and every allergen, making this book an encyclopedia of allergens. Detailed accounts of all the various allergens one might encounter in an active clinical lifetime—pollens, dust mites, food allergens, and animal danders—are provided. What really makes this section so useful is that it does not simply include allergens but covers their epidemiology, prevalence, and importance in regions across the globe, making it truly an international reference for practitioners.

The final part is a treasure trove of practical resources: tables of allergens, diet diary models, reporting formats, and all other relevant forms that are necessary in the daily management of allergy patients. Such resources will be of real benefit to practitioners interested in achieving best practices in their clinics and ensuring the delivery of the highest possible standard of care to patients.

What probably makes this book different from any other medical book is that it uniquely combines clinical rigor with personal warmth. Dr. Anand’s passion for the management of allergies shines through on every page, and his commitment to improving the standards of practice regarding allergy testing is evident. He has created not only a handbook for conducting the Skin Prick Test but a guide for understanding and managing allergies holistically.

Final thoughts: Skin Prick Test – Standards of Practice for Diagnosis of Allergy by Dr. Pendakur Anand is a volume that every professional concerned with the diagnosis and management of allergies needs in their possession. It befits Dr. Anand’s lifetime commitment to the science of allergy and will undoubtedly be a reference text for years to come. This book will undoubtedly prove to be an essential enhancement to the library of any professional dealing with allergy management, whether a seasoned clinician or a student in training.

Friends and colleagues interested to order this valuable book, the can do so using the following order form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdp-1MD4aMKaUIzeBECxDzJ4ASvzQUDCaDDn1vzjl-94982ZA/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Dr. Prahlada N.B
MBBS (JJMMC), MS (PGIMER, Chandigarh). 
MBA (BITS, Pilani), MHA, 
Executive Programme in Strategic Management (IIM, Lucknow)
Senior Management Programme in Healthcare Management (IIM, Kozhikode)
Postgraduate Certificate in Technology Leadership and Innovation (MIT, USA)
Advanced Certificate in AI for Digital Health and Imaging Program (IISc, Bengaluru). 

Senior Professor and former Head, 
Department of ENT-Head & Neck Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Cochlear Implant Surgery. 
Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga, Karnataka, India. 

My Vision: I don’t want to be a genius.  I want to be a person with a bundle of experience. 

My Mission: Help others achieve their life’s objectives in my presence or absence!

My Values:  Creating value for others.