Southern medical journal
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The topic of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity testing is reviewed. When skin tests are used to determine whether an individual is anergic, T cell immunity is evaluated. Skin testing can be used to determine the causative organisms of infection or to discover an immunologic deficiency state. ⋯ Despite the problems, skin testing remains an easy, relatively safe method of assessing the immune system. Some investigators are developing more reliable testing methods and alternative antigens. Further research is needed to develop a reliable method for assessing delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity.