How and why is an intradermal test performed?

The intradermal test is an allergy skin test sometimes used after the standard prick skin test.

• A syringe is used to inject allergen extract into the top layer of skin, which results in a small bubble on the surface.
• A welt with redness will appear in about 15 minutes if IgE antibodies against the allergen being tested are present.
• Intradermal tests are usually placed on the upper arm.

The intradermal method is many times more sensitive in identifying IgE antibodies than the prick test. Yet, this can be a disadvantage since not all IgE causes allergy. The test may show positive for allergens that don’t cause any significant problems for the patient under real-life circumstances.

Learn more about an intradermal allergy test including how to prepare for your test.

This information has been approved by Rohit Katial, MD (April 2006).