Skip navigation
MedlinePlus Trusted Health Information for You U.S. National Library of MedicineNational Institutes of Health
Contact Us FAQs Site Map About MedlinePlus
español Home Health Topics Drugs & Supplements Medical Encyclopedia Dictionary News Directories Other Resources

 

Medical Encyclopedia

Other encyclopedia topics:  A-Ag  Ah-Ap  Aq-Az  B-Bk  Bl-Bz  C-Cg  Ch-Co  Cp-Cz  D-Di  Dj-Dz  E-Ep  Eq-Ez  F  G  H-Hf  Hg-Hz  I-In  Io-Iz  J  K  L-Ln  Lo-Lz  M-Mf  Mg-Mz  N  O  P-Pl  Pm-Pz  Q  R  S-Sh  Si-Sp  Sq-Sz  T-Tn  To-Tz  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  0-9 

CSD skin test

Printer-friendly versionEmail this page to a friend
Contents of this page:

Illustrations

CSD skin test
CSD skin test

Alternative Names    Return to top

Cat scratch disease skin test

Definition    Return to top

The CSD skin test was once used to to help diagnose cat scratch disease.

The test is virtually no longer used and not recommended. Today, better tests, such as the EIA test, are available to diagnose cat scratch disease.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

The test site (an area with hair, usually the forearm) is cleansed. An antigen to cat scratch disease is injected just under the skin. After 48 - 72 hours, a health care provider will check the injection site to determine whether if your body has reacted to the substance.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

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    Return to top

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    Return to top

This test was once used to diagnose cat scratch disease, before Bartonella henselae, the bacteria that causes CSD, was identified.

Normal Results    Return to top

Inflammation around the injection site should be less than 5 millimeters wide.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

An inflammation zone of greater than 5 millimeters may suggest that you have been infected with cat scratch disease recently or in the past.

Risks    Return to top

Considerations    Return to top

Although this test has historical value, there are better tests available for the diagnosis of CSD. In addition, the CSD antigen is not widely available and carries the potential risk of transmitting other harmful substances such as viruses.

Update Date: 6/25/2007

Updated by: Arnold L. Lentnek, MD, Division of Infectious Disease, Kennestone Hospital,Marietta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M. Logo

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.