What is an Intradermal Skin Test?

If the airborne puncture/prick test is negative or the test results are not clear, a more sensitive test called an intradermal test may be done. For the intradermal test, a very small amount of allergen is injected under the skin. This involves the sterile injection of a tiny amount of allergen just under the skin of the upper arm. Because a needle is used, some patients fear that this test will be painful as a shot. It is not. Only a small amount of allergen is injected, and the small needle slips barely under the skin surface. Local reactions are read by the Dr. Otero or Kristin within 15-20 minutes.

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