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Delayed hypersensitivity skin testing: response rates in a surgical population
Journal of the American Dietetic Association
|January 1, 1983
Summary
For accurate skin test results, measure responses at 24 and 48 hours, looking for 5 mm induration. Relying only on 48-hour readings can lead to missed positive skin test reactions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Skin testing is a common method for assessing cell-mediated immunity.
- Standardized protocols for interpreting skin test responses are crucial for accurate diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine optimal timing for measuring skin test responses.
- To establish appropriate criteria for defining a positive skin test reaction.
Main Methods:
- Patients received injections of multiple antigens, including streptokinase-streptodornase, mumps, and trichophyton.
- Skin test responses were evaluated for induration and erythema at both 24 and 48 hours post-injection.
Main Results:
- A positive skin test response is defined as induration >= 5 mm at either 24 or 48 hours.
- Measuring responses only at 48 hours risks a significant percentage of false-negative results.
- Streptokinase-streptodornase, mumps, and trichophyton showed the highest response rates, detecting 94% of positive reactions.
Conclusions:
- Skin test responses should be assessed at both 24 and 48 hours for reliable interpretation.
- Current 48-hour-only measurement practices are inadequate and may lead to underdiagnosis.
- Further research is needed to explore erythema as a potential indicator of reactivity.