CSD skin test

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

CSD skin test

Overview

Risks

Results

CSD skin test

Definition:

The cat scratch disease (CSD) antigen, which consists of sterile pus derived from the lymph node of a human known to have CSD, is injected under the skin to help determine if you have been infected with the disease.

Alternative Names:

Cat scratch disease skin test

How the test is performed:

The antigen is injected just under the skin, usually on the forearm, so that a small lump pushes the skin up. The lump indicates that the antigen has been injected at the correct depth. The site is labeled, usually with a pen.

After 48 - 72 hours, a medical provider will check the site of the injection to determine whether there has been a reaction.

How to prepare for the test:

There is no special preparation. People with dermatitis or other skin irritations should have the test performed on an area of skin where no irritation is present.

How the test will feel:

When the antigen is injected, you may feel a stinging sensation where the needle is inserted. After the reaction begins, the area may itch or burn.

Why the test is performed:

This test was used more extensively in the past, before Bartonella henselae, the bacteria that causes CSD, was identified.

Review Date: 6/9/2005
Reviewed By: Kenneth Wener, M.D., Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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