Intradermal Allergy Test
An intradermal allergy test is a diagnostic procedure where a minute quantity of sterile, diluted allergen extract is injected into the dermis (the layer of skin just beneath the epidermis). This test is significantly more sensitive than a skin prick test and is typically performed on the outer forearm or upper arm. Within 15 to 20 minutes, the injection sites are evaluated for a wheal (a raised, itchy bump) and flare (surrounding redness), which indicates a localized allergic response. Due to the risk of systemic allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), this procedure must be conducted by trained healthcare professionals in a facility equipped with emergency resuscitation equipment.
Dosage by Body Weight
Administered exclusively by a healthcare provider. The standard dose is 0.02 mL to 0.05 mL of a diluted allergen extract injected intradermally to produce a small, visible bleb (2-3 mm in diameter). A positive control (typically histamine) and a negative control (typically physiological saline) are injected simultaneously to validate the test results.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- Not recommended
- Frequency
- Not applicable
- Tracking Notes
- Intradermal testing is not routinely performed on infants. Skin reactivity is highly variable and unreliable in this age group, and the risk of systemic reactions is elevated.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 0.02 mL
- Frequency
- Single diagnostic application
- Tracking Notes
- Rarely performed. Standardized volume (0.02 mL) is used if clinically indicated, but the total number of simultaneous tests must be minimized due to limited skin surface area.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 0.02 mL to 0.03 mL
- Frequency
- Single diagnostic application
- Tracking Notes
- Requires strict clinical justification. The number of tested allergens should be limited to prevent cumulative systemic absorption.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 0.02 mL to 0.05 mL
- Frequency
- Single diagnostic application
- Tracking Notes
- Standard diagnostic volume. Patient must be monitored closely for at least 30 minutes post-injection for signs of systemic allergic reactions.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 0.02 mL to 0.05 mL
- Frequency
- Single diagnostic application
- Tracking Notes
- Standard diagnostic volume. Ensure the patient has avoided antihistamines and other interfering medications for an appropriate period before testing.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | Not recommended | Not applicable | Intradermal testing is not routinely performed on infants. Skin reactivity is highly variable and unreliable in this age group, and the risk of systemic reactions is elevated. |
| 5-7 kg | 0.02 mL | Single diagnostic application | Rarely performed. Standardized volume (0.02 mL) is used if clinically indicated, but the total number of simultaneous tests must be minimized due to limited skin surface area. |
| 8-10 kg | 0.02 mL to 0.03 mL | Single diagnostic application | Requires strict clinical justification. The number of tested allergens should be limited to prevent cumulative systemic absorption. |
| 11-15 kg | 0.02 mL to 0.05 mL | Single diagnostic application | Standard diagnostic volume. Patient must be monitored closely for at least 30 minutes post-injection for signs of systemic allergic reactions. |
| 16-20 kg | 0.02 mL to 0.05 mL | Single diagnostic application | Standard diagnostic volume. Ensure the patient has avoided antihistamines and other interfering medications for an appropriate period before testing. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used as a highly sensitive diagnostic tool to identify specific environmental, venom, or drug allergens when standard skin prick testing yields negative or inconclusive results.
Generic Name
Allergenic Extracts (Intradermal)Branded Drug Names
Intradermal Allergy Test is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.