Question

Skin-prick test on the forearm is conducted to identify the responsible allergen. This is because

• A. Of the presence of mast cells under the skin.
• B. Lymphocytes migrate rapidly from the blood to the skin.
• C. Hair follicles can enhance the reaction.
• D. Neutrophils migrate rapidly from the blood to the skin.

Answer 1

The correct option is A Of the presence of mast cells under the skin.

Skin prick testing is an allergy test conducted to identify the responsible allergens for triggering symptoms in allergic diseases. This test is done to identify allergies to dust, pollen, foods, dust mites, etc. In this test, the small amount of particular allergen is introduced under the skin where mast cells coated with IgE are located. After administration, IgE cells recognizes the allergen and stimulate the mast cells to release the contents. This results in redness and itchiness of the skin. The skin-prick test only picks up true allergies mediated by IgE and mast cells.

Thus, the correct answer is option A.