Skin Testing for Cellular Immunity

1. The most common method for monitoring development and maintenance of cellular immunity is skin testing, an example of TYPE IV hypersensitivity.
2. When certain antigens (e.g. Tuberculin) are injected intradermally into a sensitized individual, an inflammatory reaction takes place and reaches a its peak after 24-48 hours. The reaction consists mainly of erythma and induration.
3. This positive reaction to Tuberculin indicates a present of past exposure to Mycobacteria tuberculosis.
4. The card in the photograph is used by the patient to determine his/her reaction to the TINE test.

Instructions: Feel the skin where the test was given between 48 and 72 hours after testing. Mark an X in the circle of the box below in which the raised bumps feel most like those on your skin.

Return