The CSD skin test was once used to help diagnose cat scratch disease.

The test is rarely used today and is not recommended. There are better methods available to diagnose cat scratch disease, such as antibody detection by the EIA test or bacteria detection by a PCR test.

Cat scratch disease skin test

The test site (usually the forearm) is cleansed. An antigen related to the bacteria that cause cat scratch disease is injected just under the skin.

After 48 - 72 hours, a health care provider will check the injection site to determine whether your body has reacted to the substance.

There is no special preparation. People with dermatitis or other skin irritations should have the test performed on an area of skin where there is no irritation.

When the antigen is injected, you may feel a stinging sensation where the needle is inserted. After the reaction begins, the area may itch or burn.

This test was once used to diagnose cat scratch disease, before Bartonella henselae, the bacteria that causes CSD, was identified.

Images

CSD skin test

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CSD skin test Results

Review Date: 06/09/2011
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. 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)