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MyAllergyNetwork.com

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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
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Allergy testing

Allergy skin prick or scratch test
Allergy skin prick or scratch test
Intradermal allergy test reactions
Intradermal allergy test reactions
RAST test
RAST test
Skin testing, PPD (R arm) and Candida (L)
Skin testing, PPD (R arm) and Candida (L)
Alternative Names

Patch tests - allergy; Scratch tests - allergy; Skin tests - allergy; RAST test


Normal Values

In a nonallergic person, allergy tests should be negative (no response to the allergen).


What abnormal results mean

A positive result means you reacted to a specific substance. Often, but not always, a positive result means the symptoms that you are having are due to exposure to the substance in question. In general, a stronger response means you are more sensitive to the substance.

People can have a positive response with allergy skin testing, but not have any problems with the specific substance in every day life.

The skin tests are generally reliable. However, if the dose of allergen is excessive, a positive reaction will occur even in persons who are not allergic.



Review Date: 05/25/2009
Reviewed By: Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
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