Intradermal allergy testing is another method of skin testing to
help determine whether an individual is allergic to a specific
allergen. The test involves injection of a small amount of the
suspected allergen under the surface of the skin. After about 20
minutes the area is examined for a reaction at the site. A typical
reaction looks like a small hive with swelling and redness. The
intradermal test is more sensitive than the skin prick test and can
usually provide more consistent results.
Review Date: 06/25/2011
Reviewed By: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Stuart
I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine,
Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown
University Medical School.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
