摘要 |
A method for allergy testing is carried out by: applying to the skin of a patient test strip formed of a thin, flexible strip of adhesive tape a portion of which carries on its adhesive side at least one skin-penetrating lance carrying an allergen; pressing the test strip against the skin to cause temporary adhesion of the strip to the skin and to cause the lance to penetrate the skin to a depth less than the subcutaneous tissue thereby carrying the allergen into the skin and maintaining contact between the allergen and the thus-traumatized skin cells; and leaving the strip in place for a period of time sufficient for the patient's skin, if allergic to the allergen, to produce a visible allergic reaction. The test strip may be transparent so that the skin reaction can be observed through the strip. The strip may include a plurality of closely-spaced lances or a single lance.
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