The skin test reactions are graded from 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 + depending upon the degree of swelling and redness produced, and are compared against control test site. The larger the size of the weal or the lump, (the positive reaction) the greater is the tendency to allergic reaction. A positive reaction of significance must be correlated with the clinical history of the patient.Negative reactions normally indicate the absence of antibody against the allergen tested, but sometimes the use of inadequate, weak or deteriorated extracts can also account for the negative reaction.A positive test may not necessarily mean that the child has symptoms at the time of testing, as skin tests may be positive years before symptoms begin and remain positive long after allergy symptoms subside.Skin tests are helpful in identifying an allergy to inhaled substances such as house dust mites, moulds, pollen, or animal saliva and dander. These tests are an accurate way of determining the presence of allergies and totally safe when carried out under the supervision of a doctor specialising in allergies.*52\260\8*
Home








