skin test

American  

noun

1. a test in which a substance is introduced into the skin, as by application to a purposely abraded area or by injection, for the detection of allergic sensitivity to a specific pollen, protein, etc., or of the presence of a disease.

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skin test British  

noun

1. med any test to determine immunity to a disease or hypersensitivity by introducing a small amount of the test substance beneath the skin or rubbing it into a fresh scratch See scratch test

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Etymology

Origin of skin test

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

You can test for TB with an easy skin test; there’s also a newer blood-test option.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2025

In people who are unlikely to have a severe penicillin allergy, doctors may streamline the testing process by skipping the skin test and using just the oral dose.

From Scientific American • Oct. 5, 2023

A sticky tape skin test could help predict if young babies are likely to develop bad eczema, say scientists.

From BBC • Sep. 6, 2022

Halfway through her incarceration for a probation violation, Trueblood remembered sitting “knee to knee” with Patsalis, who pulled down his face mask to speak to her about a tuberculosis skin test.

From The Guardian • Jul. 22, 2020

The "skin test" is also being thoroughly tried in several American cities and, if finally found trustworthy, will greatly simplify examination for tuberculosis.

From Civics and Health by Allen, William H.