Allergic skin tests are put on purpose. Allergic skin tests. Allergen skin tests: types

Allergy skin tests

Allergic diseases in children are quite common nowadays. Their timely diagnosis with the help of allergy tests makes it possible to alleviate the course of the disease, achieve recovery and prevent the development of severe forms of allergies.

What are allergy tests?

Allergic tests are tests during which a child's sensitivity to allergens is determined. Also, such studies are called allergy diagnostics.

The child is prescribed allergy tests if he has:

Food allergy;
Atopic dermatitis;
Bronchial asthma;
Inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system;
Hay fever;
Allergy to drugs.

Contraindications

Skin allergy tests are not performed:

Under the age of 3;
During an exacerbation of allergies (tests can be performed no earlier than 3-4 weeks after the last exacerbation);
In acute infectious diseases;
With primary immunodeficiency and exacerbations of autoimmune diseases;
If the baby has had anaphylactic shock in the past;
If the child has severe somatic diseases with decompensation;
After taking antihistamines.

Types and methods of diagnosis

Skin tests are divided into:

Scarification. They are used to detect reactions to non-infectious (food, household, pollen, fungal and others) and infectious allergens.
Prik tests. Most common for detecting respiratory allergies.
Intradermal. Most often used to detect reactions to infectious allergens.
Dermal. They are carried out using applications (if contact dermatitis is suspected) or by the drip method (with very high sensitization).

Cons compared to a blood test

With a skin test, the child is in contact with allergens, therefore, he can react to this type of research with an allergic reaction of varying severity, up to anaphylactic shock. That is why skin allergy tests are performed only in medical institutions.

Allergic skin examinations can only be carried out after 3-5 years. In addition, for this, the child should not have an exacerbation. A blood test can be done at any age and even in the presence of an exacerbation.
Skin tests are more painful and the test itself takes longer.
The method of skin tests can reveal a reaction to 5-20 allergens, while a blood test allows you to assess the sensitization of the child's body to more than 200 allergens.

Training

If the child is taking antihistamines, they are canceled 5-7 days before the skin tests. There are no other nuances of performing these analyzes, for example, the conditions to come for an examination on an empty stomach.

How is the analysis done?

The test will depend on its type:

If an application test is carried out, the fabric with the allergen applied to it is applied to the child's skin for 2 days. During this period, the fabric should not be wetted.
During the scarification test, the child's skin is treated with drops of various allergens, then shallow scratches are made through them.
The same technique for the behavior of prick tests, only instead of scratches, mini-injections are performed, the depth of which is up to 1 millimeter.
For intradermal tests, allergens are injected into the baby's skin.

results

Scarification and prick tests are assessed 15-20 minutes after the application of allergens to the skin. The presence of a reaction to an allergen is noted by swelling and redness. Further, the assessment of the local reaction is carried out after another 24 hours and after 48 hours. A test is considered positive, during which a papule of more than 2 millimeters appeared.

The assessment of the application skin test is carried out after two days for the presence of itching, redness and irritation in the place where the bandage was applied.

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Allergy skin tests

More and more people have to resort to allergy tests, because the number of allergic diseases among the world's population is increasing every year.

Nasal congestion, sneezing, watery eyes, skin rash, itching, seizures bronchial asthma, and in severe cases, Quincke's edema does not allow a person to lead a normal life.

It is not always possible to determine the allergen on your own, and then the possibilities of modern medicine can come to the rescue - tests for allergies are done in many health care institutions, and their reliability is close to 85% percent.

It is strictly forbidden to do this on your own, and, thank God, people do not have the opportunity to conduct such a test, since this requires not only special drugs, but also deep knowledge in this area of medicine.

Indications for Allergy Tests

Allergy tests allow you to identify the irritant to which a person develops different reactions of intolerance.

Knowing the exact type of allergen, the patient in most cases can minimize contact with it, which will prevent the symptoms of the disease from manifesting.

The absence of an irritant in the surrounding space reduces the risk of severe complications to the lowest percentage, because it is no secret that a long course of allergic reactions leads to asthma and dermatitis that is difficult to treat.

Do not forget that the constant use of antihistamines leads to disruption of the internal organs and to gradual addiction, which forces a person to look for more effective means.

Allergy tests are prescribed for both adults and children in the presence of the following pathologies:

Pollinosis - pollen intolerance. Allergy is expressed in the form of a severe runny nose, sneezing, itching of the mucous membranes, congestion;
Bronchial asthma;
Food allergies with different manifestations;
Contact and allergic dermatitis;
Conjunctivitis, rhinitis of unclear etiology.

Allergy tests are carried out using special preparations developed specifically for this type of diagnosis.

Preparations are made from the most common irritants - pollen of various plants, animal saliva, household dust, mites and fungi.

Testing can be carried out starting from the age of three, pregnancy and acute diseases are contraindications.

An indispensable condition under which allergy tests are safe is the absence of a relapse of the disease for at least three weeks.

In order to obtain reliable data, a person must give up antihistamines in a few days.

Types of tests for detecting allergen

Allergy tests differ in the method of testing and the number of allergens used at a time. The most common test is a blood test to detect antibodies to irritants.

The data of such a survey are less effective than other tests for allergies, but sometimes they are the only one possible method diagnostics.

A blood test for an allergen is done when, for one reason or another, skin tests are not possible.

Allergy tests are divided into several types:

The allergy scarification test is the most common. Drops of liquids with various allergens are applied to the clean skin of the forearm, then incisions are made over them with disposable sterile instruments.

Skin test - fixation of dressings with a liquid allergen on the skin of the back. An application test is most often performed for dermatitis of unclear etiology. Evaluation of the result is carried out in 48-72 hours.

Prik - test is one of the most convenient and quick tests. Drops of the allergen are applied to the skin and then a special needle is used to pierce the skin above the drops at a certain distance.

Inside skin tests for allergies are carried out if the prick test or scarification test has given double interpreted results. An allergen is injected into the skin with a special syringe.

An allergen during skin tests penetrates into the blood and, if there is an antigen, gives an appropriate reaction - the skin over a possible irritant turns red, a blister and itching appears.

Sometimes the doctor may prescribe provocative tests - nasal, conjunctival or inhalation.

An allergen in a safe dilution is injected into the mucous membrane of the eye, into the nasal passages or through an inhaler into the respiratory system. The appearance of all the symptoms of the disease makes it possible to accurately identify the type of the main stimulus.

Assessment of the reaction

Evaluation of the reaction is carried out after twenty minutes and then after two to three days.

Skin tests for allergies allow you to determine about 20 irritants at a time, the choice of a liquid with an allergen is carried out taking into account the nature of the disease.

The doctor takes into account the seasonality of the disease, the place of occurrence of symptoms, heredity, age, professional characteristics of the activity.

Based on these factors, the doctor selects the most likely stimuli and prescribes tests to determine the body's response to these substances.

After conducting the tests and evaluating the results, the patient is given a printout of his reactions to his hands.

One of the possible reactions is set against each allergen:

Negative.
Positive test,
Doubtful or weakly positive.

The last two reactions require additional tests for this particular type of allergen or for a similar one. The physician's task is to obtain reliable data on the basis of which safe and effective treatment can be prescribed.

Features of testing for allergic reactions

Allergy tests are carried out only subject to certain rules:

All skin tests are performed at a medical facility;
The presence of a first-aid kit and doctor's control over the patient's condition are mandatory;
In rare cases, even a minimal intake of an allergen into the body can lead to rapidly developing angioedema and anaphylactic shock, in these cases, help should be immediate;
The examined patient should not be sick with acute diseases, and at least three weeks should elapse from the moment of an exacerbation of the allergy.

Allergy tests are the most reliable diagnostic methods, and should not be neglected after a doctor's appointment.

Having identified an allergen, you can improve the quality of your life tenfold.

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Allergy skin tests

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Allergic diseases are practically the most common diseases in the world. According to statistics, every fifth inhabitant of the planet suffers from them and every year the number of allergic reactions increases - this is due to many factors: stress, unhealthy diet, unsatisfactory environmental conditions, etc. Due to this, the body begins to show sensitivity to certain substances, which are called allergens.

It is almost impossible to find out on your own what the allergic reaction has occurred, so you need to seek qualified medical help from an allergist.

Allergy skin tests are one of the most informative and quick ways detection of an allergen. How the skin tests are carried out and where you can make allergy tests - we will analyze in more detail.

Analysis for allergy tests - indications for an analysis

allergic asthma: shortness of breath, pain in chest, cough, difficulty breathing
allergic conjunctivitis and rhinitis: itching, redness and swelling of the eyelids, frequent sneezing, watery nasal discharge, itchy nose and nasal congestion
allergic dermatitis: various skin rashes
manifestations of food, drug and insect (to insect poison) allergies
allergic reactions to flowering plants

Allergic tests - the essence and technique of conducting

There are four types of skin tests:

scarification skin tests
prick test
intradermal tests
application tests (patch test)

Testing is carried out using concentrated allergens, which different ways injected into the human body. Let's take a closer look at how an allergy test is done.

Scarification skin test: the doctor applies small drops of the allergen to the skin of the patient's forearm, then makes minor scratches with a lancet, due to which the allergen penetrates the skin. When carrying out this test, the body's reaction can be assessed after 10-15 minutes.

Carrying out a scarification test

Scarification tests are done for:

detection of airborne allergens: plant pollen, mold, dust, fluff and wool, etc.
identification of probable food allergens: milk and dairy products, fish and seafood, cereals, fruits, vegetables, etc.
determination of sensitivity to drugs and insect poison

Prik test. It differs from the scarification test by the method of violating the integrity of the skin. During the prick test, a lancet punctures the skin with a depth of 1 mm, and not a scratch.

Conducting a prick test

Intradermal test: the doctor injects a small dose of the allergen under the patient's skin. This test is more sensitive than the scarification test and is prescribed if the substance did not cause a reaction during the scarification test, but is still considered a possible cause of allergies in humans.

Intradermal test

Application test (patch test). This method involves the use of patches treated with allergens, which are attached to the area between the shoulder blades.

Conducting a patch test

During the period of the test, it is forbidden to carry out water procedures and play sports, as this can lead to peeling of the patches. Evaluation of the result is carried out a day later (in some cases or more) after applying the patches.

This test is used to detect skin allergies (various dermatitis) to latex, drugs, hair dyes, metals, food, etc.

Allergy tests for children can only be done when they reach the age of five, since the children's immune system has not yet matured until this age, and this can lead to serious consequences in the form of acute allergic reactions. In addition, the child suffers the procedure itself quite painfully. In this regard, doctors recommend replacing skin tests for allergens in children with a blood test.

Where to take allergy tests?

Where to get an allergy test - this question is of interest to many people who want to determine the cause of the disease that has arisen.

Allergy tests can be done in medical centers, skin dispensaries and polyclinics, which have an allergist on staff.

The tests are carried out under the supervision of a physician, since he has available medications that may be required in case of acute allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock, which poses a threat to the patient's life.

Skin allergy tests - preparation for

Before making tests for allergies, to assess the general condition of the body, doctors recommend taking the following tests: clinical and biochemical blood tests, urinalysis, coprogram.

Also, 10 days before passing the tests, you should stop taking various medications that can show a false negative result of allergy tests (antihistamines, antidepressants, etc.)

Explanation of research results

Interpretation of skin test results:

The result is negative: there were no changes in the area of the skin in contact with the allergen.

The result is positive: skin edema (blister) of 3 mm or more was formed. The larger the blister formed, the higher the degree of sensitivity to the injected allergen - treatment is required.

Positive reaction to allergens

Contraindications

Contraindications to the procedure are:

age up to 5 years old and over 60 years old
ARVI, tonsillitis and others infectious diseases
pregnancy, lactation
allergic reactions that have occurred during the current month

In case of allergy to plant pollen, the analysis for allergy tests is carried out in the autumn-winter period, when the flowering of plants has ended and the allergic background has become lower.

Side effects

Allergic tests can cause the following side effects: itching, redness, swelling of the skin, sometimes small blisters may appear.

As a rule, these symptoms disappear after a few hours, but they can last for several days. Cortisone ointments can help relieve these symptoms.

In rare cases, allergy testing will cause an immediate allergic reaction that requires medical attention.

Skin tests are necessary for accurate diagnostics, the number of which is recent times is growing steadily both among children and among adults. The reasons for this are the difficult ecological situation, the use of low-quality food products with chemical additives, a genetic predisposition, and a sedentary lifestyle.

To prescribe adequate treatment, it is necessary to determine exactly which substances cause non-standard reactions in the body. This is clarified by the method of carrying out various: direct and indirect, qualitative and quantitative. All of them are done in an identical way: by making direct contact of the patient's skin with a potential irritant. Testing is possible only during remission, when the patient has no signs of an allergic disease at all.

The doctor gives a referral for skin-allergic tests for the following allergic manifestations:

Allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis is a condition characterized by redness and pain in the eyes, lacrimation, profuse rhinitis.
Food allergies with itchy skin eruptions.
Bronchial asthma with shortness of breath, shortness of breath, suffocation.
Allergic dermatitis with red eruptions and itching.
Medicinal allergic dermatitis is the body's reaction to certain medications.
Seasonal plant pollen allergy with persistent sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion.

Allergy skin tests are special method diagnostics, for which today more than 3 thousand drugs are used, and their number is constantly increasing. Each of the diagnostic tests contains an irritant that can potentially cause an allergic reaction. For their production, they use pollen of some plants, particles of animal hair, dust, dietary fiber, artificial and chemical substances, cells of fungi, ticks, bacteria. There are several ways to conduct these tests.

Types of allergy skin tests

Scarification tests have been used in traditional medicine for a long time, but they still remain one of the most reliable. The procedure is carried out as follows:

the skin on the inside of the hand is wiped with a disinfectant solution (from the wrist to the elbow);
samples of probable irritants are applied drop by drop to the skin of the hand;
under each drop, the skin is slightly scratched with a special metal scarifier (disposable, sterile instrument);
ask the patient to keep his hand motionless for 20 minutes so that the drops of samples do not spread and do not mix with each other.

At the end of this time, the doctor determines which of the samples has a reaction in the form of a blister or discoloration of the skin.

Roughly the same technology is used to conduct prick tests. The only difference is that after applying the test drops, the skin on the hand is not scratched, but punctured with a needle.

The most modern and non-invasive skin test method available is application. For her, ready-made diagnostic tools with already applied allergens are used. Each strip can hold up to ten different allergens.

The test is carried out as follows:

clean a large area of skin (most often on the back) and stick test strips on it with adhesive tape;
samples cannot be taken within two days (you cannot take a shower either);
after 48 hours, the strips are removed and the results of the samples are evaluated.

But it does not always take such a long time for an effective diagnosis, it all depends on the allergen. After decoding of both primary and late samples, the patient is given a form with the results, on which next to each probable allergen should be:

positive;
weakly positive;
doubtful;
negative.

Each study can include identifying the body's response to 10-15 allergens. When conducting a quantitative test (determining the degree of susceptibility to a certain type of stimulus), it is possible to use the same substance, but in different concentrations.

For a more accurate diagnosis, modern medical techniques make it possible to determine antibodies to the pathogen based on the results of a special blood test in addition to skin tests.

Direct, indirect and provocative skin tests

Direct allergy testing is an examination technology aimed at diagnosing a specific disease. In direct tests, the allergen comes into contact with the skin as a result of damage to the epidermis or without it by applying a drop of an irritant containing this allergen (scarification, prick tests, applications).

Indirect tests are the subcutaneous injection of an irritant and the subsequent taking of a patient's blood test to determine the amount of antibodies. Based on the results, the type of allergic reaction is determined.

The Prausnitz-Küstren reaction, when the patient's blood serum is injected into a healthy person, is provocative. After 24 hours, the level of antibodies in the skin is recorded, and then the allergen is applied to the same area. The use of this technology is strictly limited, since it always leaves the possibility of infection of the patient in the event of a latent infection in the donor. The need for provocative tests arises if the data of the anamnesis and the tests performed do not coincide.

The choice of the type of sample depends on the disease, the expected level of sensitivity, the type of allergen, and the reactivity of the epidermis.

Significantly reduces reactivity, therefore, before conducting tests, it is necessary to refrain from using them for a week.

Allergy skin tests: preparation and contraindications

Preparation for the procedure includes monitoring the patient's condition in order to accurately determine the time of the last allergic reaction, after which at least 30 days should pass. You always need to be prepared for what may arise during the test. emergency situation in case of an unexpected reaction to the drug. Therefore, such samples must be taken only in medical institutions under the supervision of medical staff (despite the fact that sample strips can be freely purchased in pharmacies).

The procedure itself is painless and minimally invasive, therefore, before carrying out it, you need to calm down and tune in positively. The test result is usually given after 20 minutes, several hours or two days (depending on the allergen being tested).

A contraindication to skin allergy tests is:

any infection;
exacerbation of chronic diseases;
taking hormonal drugs;
taking antihistamines and sedatives;
the time period is less than 30 days since the last exacerbation of the allergy.

A relative contraindication is over 60 years of age and pregnancy. After performing subcutaneous tests, exacerbations and side effects are extremely rare, but they still cannot be completely ruled out. The most difficult of them is anaphylactic shock, the possibility of the development of which should always be remembered and the necessary precautions should be taken.

Timely diagnosis of allergies is the main condition for its successful treatment and prevention of possible relapses. For its implementation, a comprehensive examination is carried out, an important component of which is allergological testing. Before the procedure, the doctor explains what allergen tests are, how they do it and how to prepare for them. However, it is advisable to study all the necessary information in more detail in order to get the maximum accurate results analyzes and prevent the appearance of complications.

Allergic tests are testing of the body to determine individual intolerance or hypersensitivity to specific irritating substances (allergens). Such an examination is necessary in the following cases:

if there is a tendency to allergic reactions, in order to identify most of the possible allergens;
at the slightest suspicion of an allergy before the introduction of anesthesia, the appointment of new drugs, the use of unfamiliar cosmetics or other similar situations, especially in children;
if it is necessary to identify an allergen when the cause of the painful response of the immune system is not known to the patient.

In addition, some diseases are indications for testing:

bronchial asthma with severe respiratory distress;
hay fever with pronounced symptoms of its classic manifestation;
food, drug allergies;
, conjunctivitis, dermatitis.

Allergy tests provide quick information about which substance is causing the sensitization. To do this, the body is exposed to small doses of various stimuli, and then the result is assessed by the nature of the reactions.

Diagnostic methods

The most reliable method for detecting allergens is a complex allergy diagnosis based on a blood test. It allows you to simultaneously determine the body's sensitivity to 40 of the most common allergens of different types. This method may be the only one possible if there are contraindications to skin tests, but it is very expensive and non-operative.

Faster and more accessible are skin tests and provocative tests, with the help of which you can check the response of the immune system to up to 20 allergens.

Allergy skin tests are classified according to several criteria.

By the end result:

high-quality - confirm or deny the presence of an allergy to a specific substance;
quantitative - determine the strength of the effect of the allergen and its critical amount that can cause a negative reaction of the immune system.

According to the composition of the agent provocateur used:

direct - carried out by applying or introducing a pure allergen into the skin;
indirect (Praustnitz-Küstner reaction) - the patient is first injected with the blood serum of an allergic person, and a day later - the allergen.

By the method of administration of the allergen:

application (patch tests) - to determine the majority of existing allergens;
scarification or needle (prick tests) - with seasonal allergies to plants, Quincke's edema, atopic dermatitis;
intradermal (injection) - to identify fungi or bacteria that have become the causative agent of allergies.

With any of these studies, some errors are possible due to external factors and characteristics of the organism. To clarify the result, if it does not coincide with the symptoms of the disease, provocative tests are additionally prescribed. They provide for the direct effect of the substance provocateur on the organ that has become the site of the manifestation of the allergic reaction.

The most commonly used tests are:

conjunctival (with allergic inflammation of the conjunctiva);
nasal (with similar inflammation of the nasal mucosa);
inhalation (for diagnosing bronchial asthma).

Other provocative allergy tests can also be performed - exposure or elimination (for food allergies), heat or cold (with an appropriate heat rash), etc.

How are allergen tests done?

The procedure is carried out by an allergist in a specially equipped office. He also evaluates the results obtained and makes an appropriate diagnosis.

Skin tests

Allergy tests of this type are carried out on healthy areas of the skin, most often in the forearm, less often on the back. Each of the above procedures is performed in a special way:

Application tests (patch tests) are performed using a gauze or cotton swab soaked in an allergen solution, which is attached to the skin with a plaster.
Scarification or needle tests (prick tests) - imply drip application of a provocateur with subsequent minor damage to the surface layer of the epidermis (light scratches with a scarifier or a needle).
Intradermal tests (injections) are based on the introduction of the drug by injection to a depth of not more than 1 mm. At the puncture site, a white dense bubble with a diameter of about 5 mm is immediately formed, which dissolves within 15 minutes.

The results are assessed according to two parameters:

reaction rate: instantly - positive; after 20 minutes - immediate; after 1-2 days - delayed;
the size of the redness or swelling that appears: more than 13 mm - hyperergic; 8–12 mm - clearly positive; 3–7 mm - positive; 1-2 mm - doubtful; unchanged - negative.

The skin reaction is evaluated on a scale from 0 ("-") to 4 ("++++"), which reflects the degree of sensitivity of the body to the allergen.

Provocative tests

The methodology for conducting such studies depends on the location of the affected organ and the option of access to it:

Conjunctival test - carried out by first instilling a test-control liquid into one eye, and if there are no changes within 20 minutes, then a solution of an allergen of a minimum concentration is dripped into the other eye. In the absence of a reaction, after 20 minutes, a solution of the allergen is again instilled into the same eye, but already with a doubled concentration. Such studies continue as long as there is no allergic reaction, constantly increasing the concentration by 2 times. Finish the test with undiluted allergen.
Inhalation test - carried out by inhalation of an allergen aerosol at a minimum concentration, then for 1 hour (after 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 60 minutes) the reaction is monitored respiratory system... In the absence of changes in the rhythm, depth and purity of breathing, the test is repeated again with a doubled concentration of the allergen and is also brought to its undiluted state.
Nasal test - performed in a similar way, but the corresponding fluids are instilled into one and the other half of the nose.

The exposure test assumes direct exposure to a probable irritant and is placed in cases where there are no pronounced manifestations of an allergic reaction. Elimination tests are also performed in the absence of symptoms, but according to the reverse method - by refusing to use a possible allergen product, changing the environment, canceling the drug, etc.

When choosing a test option for allergens, it is necessary to take into account all the pros and cons of each of them. Skin tests are quick and simple, but unsafe as they can aggravate allergies. It is also possible to obtain false results, which largely depend on the condition of the skin, the subjectivity of the assessment, and a technical error. In addition, such allergy tests have a number of contraindications.

Contraindications for staging

All types of allergological tests are not performed in the following cases:

exacerbation of allergies and within 2-3 weeks after;
taking antihistamines and other drugs that suppress the production of histamine, and the first week after their cancellation;
the use of sedatives and other sedatives containing barbiturates, bromine and magnesium salts, and 7 days after stopping the intake;
exacerbation chronic diseases, including neuropsychiatric disorders, or the stage of recovery;
carrying and feeding a child, menstruation - in women;
previous anaphylactic shock;
reception hormonal agents and 2 weeks after completion of the course;
the presence of infectious and inflammatory processes in the body (respiratory, viral diseases, tonsillitis, etc.), as well as intercurrent infections;
oncological diseases, AIDS, diabetes mellitus;
the presence of an acute reaction to a specific allergen;
age up to 3-5 and after 60 years.

If there is any contraindication to skin tests, the diagnosis of allergy is carried out on the basis of a blood test.

Complications of Allergen Testing

The most serious complication after allergy testing can be caused by delayed-type hypersensitivity, which develops within 6-24 hours after testing. Its manifestations can be expressed by the following symptoms:

deterioration of health, the appearance of discomfort;
irritation and prolonged non-healing of the site of injection of the allergen;
the development of increased sensitization to an irritant or a new allergic reaction.

In some cases, a skin reaction, on the contrary, is absent, which does not allow identifying a specific allergen and obtaining a specific result for the test performed. Hypersensitivity to the sample itself may also appear, the consequences of which are unpredictable and very dangerous, even fatal.

How to prepare for tests

Preparation for testing for allergens should begin with the analysis of contraindications and the exclusion of all possible factors that could distort the test results. It should also be borne in mind that tests can be carried out only during persistent remission, at least a month after an exacerbation.

In addition, the preparatory stage includes the following restrictions:

3 days before the examination, you need to reduce physical activity;
in 1 day - quit smoking;
on the day of the test - do not eat, since skin tests are performed on an empty stomach or at least 3 hours after eating.

If you have a tendency to allergies, it is necessary to pass tests for allergens at least once in a lifetime, as people who care about their health do. It is always easier to prevent any disease than to eliminate its symptoms and consequences later. This is especially important in cases of allergic reactions. After all, they can arise on completely unexpected stimuli, knowing which, you can avoid contact with them and live your whole life without allergies.

Skin allergy tests are a diagnostic method for detecting specific sensitization of the body by introducing an allergen through the skin and assessing the magnitude and nature of the resulting edema or inflammatory reaction. Skin tests (CP) are usually performed in remission. Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative, direct and passive skin tests.

Quantitative tests give an idea of the degree of sensitization. They are posed to identify individual sensitivity and to resolve the issue of the initial doses of the allergen during specific hyposensitization.

In case of direct skin-allergic tests, the allergen is administered to the patient under study. In case of passive or indirect skin-allergic tests, the patient's blood serum is injected intradermally into a healthy person, and then the allergen is injected into the serum injection sites (Prausnitz-Küstner reaction).

The time of occurrence of a skin reaction after exposure to an allergen and its nature depend on the type of allergic reaction. With the reaginic type, the reaction appears in the first 10-20 minutes. It is a rounded blister or irregular shape with pseudopodia. The color of the blister is pinkish or pale with an area of arterial hyperemia around. Its development is based on acutely developing limited edema of the papillary layer of the skin due to increased vascular permeability. This reaction is called the blistering, urticarial, or immediate-type reaction. In allergic processes of types III and IV, the skin reaction is acute inflammation with all its signs - redness, swelling, fever in the area of inflammation and soreness. The difference between types III and IV lies in the time of development and the intensity of the inflammation. In type III, inflammation is more pronounced, it appears after 4-6 hours and goes away after 12-24 hours. In type IV, inflammation reaches its maximum development after 24-48 hours. Thus, using skin-allergic tests, it is possible to determine the type of allergic reaction to this allergen.

Depending on the characteristics of the case, different methods of performing skin-allergic tests are used. The choice of method depends on: