Studies in Specific Hypersensitiveness

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Abstract
Summary and Conclusions: Two methods of applying the skin test in allergic conditions are in use: The cutaneous or scratch method of Schloss.The intradermal or injection method of Cooke. Two forms of test proteins are in use: The dry powdered preparations made according to the methods described by Wodehouse.The fluid preparations originally used by Cooke and made now according to the methods described by Coca. In a series of 78 comparative tests the superiority of the intradermal method over the scratch method has been shown upon the following grounds: In every case known to be clinically sensitive to a protein, the intradermal test with that protein resulted positively. The scratch test with the corresponding dry preparations resulted positively in only half the cases tested. The scratch test with the fluid preparations resulted negatively in 18 per cent of the cases tested.The intradermal method properly applied is not so painful as the scratch method and the resulting markings of the skin do not persist so long after the former method.Less time is required for applying the intradermal method and for obtaining the results than is needed for the scratch method.The same preparation can be used for testing and for treatment when the fluid preparations are employed.

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