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.