Provocation Tests

Conjunctival Provocation Test
A solution with the suspected allergen is applied to the eye in form of eye drops. It is first done with a strong dilution and repeated with gradually weaker dilutions. The reaction of the conjunctiva is observed. A red, itchy and tearing eye indicates a possible allergy. Conjunctival provocation is used when the significance of a positive skin test remains unclear, for example before mixing a solution for immunotherapy.

Provocation Test with Food and Drugs
Provocation tests with food and drugs can be used prior to re-introducing a particular food after a diet, to deal with any patient’s uncertainty when an allergy has been excluded and to test alternative drugs in cases of drug allergies.

For safety reasons, I do not perform provocation tests in my practice on patients suffering from known severe allergic reactions. Should such a provocation test be necessary, I work in close collaboration with the Allergy Unit at the University Hospital Inselspital since these tests must be monitored in an intensive care unit.

 


Markus Reimers MD
FMH ORL
spez. Hals- und Gesichtschirurgie
Spitalgasse 4
CH - 3011 Bern

Telephone +41 31 312 15 45
Fax +41 31 312 90 15


Andrea Reimers MD
FMH Allergologie und klinische Immunologie
FMH Innere Medizin
Spitalgasse 4
CH - 3011 Bern

Telephone +41 31 312 15 45
Fax +41 31 312 90 15

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