The Prausnitz Kustner Test is a medical diagnostic test that measures a patient's sensitivity to allergens. The spelling of the word is derived from the surnames of two scientists, Emil von Prausnitz and Karl Kustner, who first developed the test in 1907. The pronunciation of Prausnitz Kustner is /praʊsnɪts ˈkʊstnər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The test involves injecting a small amount of the allergen under the skin and observing any reaction. This test is still commonly used in diagnosis of allergies in many countries.
The Prausnitz-Kustner Test is a medical diagnostic test used to determine individual susceptibility or sensitivity to a particular allergen. It is a skin test that involves the transfer of serum from a person with a known allergy to the skin of another person suspected of having the same allergy.
In this test, a small amount of allergen is injected or applied to the skin of the healthy individual, usually on the forearm or back. Then, a small amount of serum obtained from the allergic person is also injected into or applied on the same site. After a certain incubation period, usually 30 minutes to an hour, the skin is examined for the presence of a localized allergic reaction. The appearance of redness, swelling, and itching at the test site indicates a positive reaction, indicating that the person is sensitized to the allergen.
The Prausnitz-Kustner Test is particularly useful in diagnosing allergies to substances that are difficult or impossible to extract in their natural form, such as drugs or certain chemicals. By transferring the serum from a known allergic individual, the test provides a way to identify and confirm the sensitivity of another person to the same allergen. This information is crucial for effective management and treatment of allergies, such as avoiding allergens and developing personalized treatment plans.