SCHICK TEST Meaning and
Definition
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The Schick Test is a diagnostic procedure used to determine an individual's immunity to diphtheria, a highly contagious bacterial infection. This test, named after its creator Bela Schick, involves the injection of a small amount of diphtheria toxin into the skin. The diphtheria toxin is obtained from the bacteria Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which causes the disease.
The Schick Test aims to identify individuals who are susceptible to diphtheria and those who have developed natural immunity or have been immunized against the bacteria. Once the toxin is injected, the reaction observed on the skin helps determine the immune status of the tested individual. The test involves injecting diphtheria antitoxin into two separate sites on the forearm, with one site serving as a control. The reaction is then observed after 24 to 48 hours.
A positive reaction or redness at the control site suggests that the individual has developed immunity to diphtheria, either through natural means or previous vaccination. However, a positive reaction at both sites indicates that the person is susceptible to diphtheria and lacks protective antibodies against the bacteria. In such cases, immediate immunization or administration of antitoxin may be recommended to prevent the development of the disease.
The Schick Test played a significant role in the prevention and control of diphtheria by helping identify individuals at risk and enabling targeted immunization efforts. However, it has largely been replaced by more modern diagnostic techniques, such as serological tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays.
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Etymology of SCHICK TEST
The term "Schick test" is named after its developer, Bela Schick, an American pediatrician of Hungarian origin. The test was developed by Schick in 1913 as a method to determine an individual's susceptibility to diphtheria, a bacterial infection. The test involved injecting a small amount of diphtheria toxin under the skin and observing the resulting reaction. This test helped identify individuals who were not immune to the infection and thus required vaccination. The term "Schick test" has since been widely used to refer to this diagnostic method.
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