In most cases, to pinpoint the allergen or allergens that a patient may be sensitive to, a simple skin scratch test is done.

A small amount of the suspected allergen is gently scratched through the skin with a special sterile needle. The patient then waits to see if redness, swelling or itching develop at the pricked site. If it does it is highly probable that the patient is allergic to that specific allergen. The time it takes to see if a patient’s skin reacts to the allergen, varies from patient to patient and with the type of allergen. Nurse Harvey said usually within five to 20 minutes those with sensitivity, will start to see a reaction.

At the Allergy Clinic of Bermuda nurse Jutta Harvey is like a detective with three different kits. Each kit has eight small needles which hold a small amount of allergen. Kit A tests for sensitivity to histamine and seven different pollens. Each of the pollens is common in Bermuda; Rye Grass, Bermuda Grass, Mexican Pepper, Casuarina, Cedar, Pig Weed and English Plantain. Kit B tests for mould and mildew sensitivity with each of the eight needles holding a small amount of a specific mojld or mildew. The varieties in the test are; Aspergillus, Alternaria, Helminthosporum, Penicillium, Hormoden, Rhizopus, Mucor and Curvlaria. Kit C tests for dust and animal components. The eight needles contain Phoma, Fusarium, Candida (yeast), Tricophyton, Mite mix, Cockaroach, Cat and Glycerine.

In some extremely allergic patients who have severe reactions skin testing cannot be used because it could evoke a dangerous reaction. Skin testing also cannot be done on patients with extensive eczema or other condition that does not allow for sufficient healthy skin surface.