Table 3.

Minimal work-up studies on chronic spontaneous urticaria^*

Clinical history (see Table2)

Physical examination

Urticaria activity score (UAS) and angioedema activity score (AAS) at the time of physical examination

Assessment of quality of life (CU-Q2oL)

Performance of appropriate tests to rule out physical urticaria

Blood count, thyroid antibody and thyroid function tests and assessment of the sedimentation rate and serum C-reactive protein

Skin prick test to rule out allergy when patient's history suggests that an allergic disease may be involved.

Skin biopsy, if indicated

^*As an optional work-up study ASST (Autologous serum skin test) and an assessment of the in vitro ability of sera to stimulate normal basophils (CD63 or histamine release test) could be performed.