Allergy Bazaar – Station 2 Poster Layout Intracutaneous

Allergy Bazaar – Station 2
Intracutaneous
allergy testing
Poster
Layout
Birgitte Lynggaard , Rachel Svends Sander , Birgit Sørensen , Charlotte Skadhauge and Anja Pahlow Mose
1
1Department
1
2
2
1
of Dermatology and Allergy Centre, Odense Research Centre for Anaphylaxis, Odense University Hospital, Denmark
2Allergy Clinic, Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte, Denmark
How to administer an intracutaneous injection for allergy testing
Definition
Injection method
Intracutaneous allergy testing (ICT) is a
method of skin testing that can be used in
the diagnostic work-up when determining
whether an individual is allergic to a
specific allergen or not. The test involves
injection of a minute amount of an
allergen extract just below the surface of
the skin.
Stabilize the skin around the injection
site.
Place the needle with the bevel side up.
Insert the needle at a shallow angle,
approximately 10-15°, when
penetrating the skin. The point of the
needle should be seen through the skin.
Press in the plunger slowly injecting the
agent while watching for a small wheal
to appear at the injection site. If none
appears, withdraw the needle a little.
Chart the site of the administration and
circle the injection site with ink, per
agency policy.
After circa 20 minutes the area is
examined for a reaction at the site. A
typical reaction looks like a small hive
with swelling and redness.
Preparations
Perform hand-hygiene and put on
gloves.
Choose your site carefully. Select an
area on the inner aspect of the forearm
that is not heavily pigmented or
covered with hair. Also, stay clear of
areas with superficial blood vessels.
Cleanse the area with an alcohol swab.
Allow the alcohol to dry before
performing the injection.
If necessary, withdraw the allergen
extract from the ampule or vial. Ensure
that the correct dose has been drawn
up.
The following medications may interfere
with the results of ICT and should be
discontinued prior to the test procedure:
antihistamines, corticosteroids and some
antidepressants.
ICT positiv for amoxicillin and ampicillin
Considerations
All patients should be under close
observation for potential anaphylactic
reaction following ICT.
Always follow your organization's
guidelines for the administration of
allergen extracts. Make sure to verify the
patient’s identity, the allergen extract
expiration date and the physician’s orders
prior to administering any intracutaneous
injection for allergy testing.