MedicineNet.com
About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 10, 2010
MedicineNet home Picture Slideshows Diseases and conditions Symptoms and signs Procedures and tests Medications Picture Image Collection MedTerms medical dictionary Pet Health
home > allergies center > allergies a-z list > allergy scratch test definition
Font Size
A
A
A


Definition of Allergy scratch test

Allergy scratch test: Test done on the skin to identify the allergy substance (the allergen) that is the trigger for an 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: 4/15/1999 8:31:00 PM

Common Misspellings: alergy scratch test

Search All of MedicineNet For:
  





Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors
MedicineNet Doctors
  • hydroxyzine, Vistaril, Atarax - Specifies the medication hydroxyzine (Vistaril, Atarax), a drug used for the relief of nasal and non-nasal symptoms of various allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis.
  • Cortisone Injection - Read about cortisone injection treatment for inflammation, allergic reaction, sciatica and arthritis. Learn about side effects and complications of a cortisone shot.
  • Eczema - Get information about eczema causes, skin symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Types include dyshidrotic, atopic dermatitis, nummular, varicose and seborrheic eczema.
Read more Allergy related articles »

Latest Medical News


Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List

Privacy Policy

Allergies & Asthma

Improve treatments & prevent attacks.

Are you Depressed? Take the Quiz

Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain


From WebMD

Allergies Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors


Definition of Allergy scratch test Related Articles


Latest Allergies News


Health categories:

Slideshows | Diseases & Conditions | Symptoms & Signs | Procedures & Tests | Medications | Image Collection | Medical Dictionary | Pet Health

Popular health centers:

Allergies | Arthritis | Blood Pressure | Cancer | Chronic Pain | Cold & Flu | Diabetes | Digestion | Eyesight | Health & Living | Healthy Kids

Hearing & Ear | Heart | Infectious Disease | Men's Health | Mental Health | News & Views | Pregnancy | Sexual Health | Skin | Women's Health | More...

MedicineNet.com:

About Us | Newsletters | RSS Feeds | 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.

©1996-2010 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. Notices and Legal Disclaimer.
MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.