MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
November 21, 2009
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Health and Living Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary
Font Size
A
A
A

A Good place to start
Our Skin test for allergy Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Skin test for allergy

Definition of Skin test for allergy

Skin test for allergy: Test done on the skin to identify the allergy substance (the allergen) that is triggering the allergic reaction.

A small amount of the suspected allergy-provoking substance is placed on the skin. The skin is then gently scratched through the small drop with a special sterile needle.

If the skin reddens and, more importantly, if it swells, then the test is read as positive and allergy to that substance is considered probable.


Last Editorial Review: 3/26/1998 2:28:00 PM

Common Misspellings: skin test for alergy

Search All of MedicineNet For:
  




Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • Eczema - Get information about eczema causes, skin symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Types include dyshidrotic, atopic dermatitis, nummular, varicose and seborrheic eczema.
  • Hives - Read about hives (urticaria) causes (allergy, stress), rash symptoms (skin welts, raised red itchy bumps) and treatment. Dermatographism and swelling (angioedema) may accompany hives.
  • Atopic Dermatitis - Get information on atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) causes, symptoms, diagnosis, management, treatment and medications. Learn if this itchy skin rash is contagious.

Latest Medical News


Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List

Allergies & Asthma

Improve treatments & prevent attacks.


Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain





Definition of Skin test for allergy Related Articles







Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Health & Living | News & Views | Medical Dictionary

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Cancer | Diabetes | Digestion | Healthy Kids | Heart | Men's Health | Mental Health | Women's Health | More...

Publications:

ePublications (PDFs) | XML News via RSS | Audio Podcasts | Email Newsletters

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map | WebMD® | Medscape® | eMedicine® | eMedicineHealth® | RxList®

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies to the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.

©1996-2009 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.