No effect of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity testing (Multitest) on blood lymphocyte counts and functions

The effects of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity (DCH) testing (Multitest, Institute Mérieux) on lymphocyte counts and functions were studied in seven healthy women. All had normal DCH responses and lymphocyte functions. No influence of the DCH testing on subsequent tests for lymphocyte subpopulations and mitogen- and antigen-induced DNA synthesis was observed. The PPD skin test did not boost or otherwise alter the in vitro lymphocyte response to PPD. It may be concluded that Multitest is a simple way of assessing DCH and that this test does not interfere with repeated in vitro tests of lymphocyte capacity.