Skin tests allergic sensitivity

Animal studies in cynomolgus monkeys have not found evidence of increased pulmonary reactivity to vanadium pentoxide after repeated exposures cytological/immunologic and skin test results also indicated the absence of allergic sensitization. ... 

In addition to the flush, wheal, and flare, transient pain and itching result from the effects of histamine on sensory nerve endings. In sensitized individuals, intra-dermal injection of specific antigens produces a wheal this reaction is the basis for a skin test to quantify the extent of the allergic response. 

Jankiewicz, A., Aulepp, H., Baltes, W. et al. 1996. Allergic sensitization to native and heated celery root in pollen-sensitive patients investigated by skin test and IgE binding. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 111 268-278. 

Attempts continue to predict metal sensitivity in the individual patient so that the choice of material can be made accordingly. In vitro tests for metal allergies have been developed on the basis of lymphokine (MIF) release from sensitized T lymphocytes exposed to metal-protein complexes (11). About 6% of patients without a previous metal implant had positive reactions to nickel, chromium, or cobalt. However, it is still not clear whether such a positive reaction is a reliable predictor of clinical problems. In practice few patients have either local or systemic reactions when symptoms occur and other causes are ruled out, the implant should be removed. Some workers recommend removal of an implant whenever there is both a positive MIF test and a positive skin test, even in the current absence of a serious reaction. Allergic dermatitis will clear up as soon as the metal has begun to be cleared from the tissue. The type of metal and the amount released into the tissue will affect the time taken for the disappearance of toxic dermatological phenomena. 

Techniques for the diagnosis of anaphylactic sensitivity to hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants, etc.) stings have been difficult to establish. Studies with commercially available whole body extracts of hymenoptera for skin testing were unable to discriminate between hypersensitive and control subjects. Use of hymenoptera venom skin tests clearly distinguishes between allergic and normal subjects and this venom was made available to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for further uses as a diagnostic material in 1976. ... 

Rarely have complications from CS exposure included haemoptysis and haematemesis (Anderson et al., 1996). A case of multisystem hypersensitivity reaction characterized by delayed development of cutaneous rash, pneumonitis, hypoxaemia, hepatitis and hypereosinophilia, with rapid response to corticosteroids, was described in a man heavily exposed to CS solution spray. The authors ascribed this to a systemic allergic reaction patch testing confirmed sensitization to CS (Hill et al., 2000). The possible abuse and complications from illegal drugs should be considered where clinical suspicions exists (Hayman and Berkely, 1971). Physicians should be aware of the possible contribution from formulation constituents some may exacerbate effects known to be produced by RCAs (e.g. eye injury and skin irritation) and others may introduce additional toxicological factors (such as the development of carbon monoxide intoxication from the absorption and metabolism of dichloromethane as a formulation solvent). 

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