dick test
Definition
Noun: 1. A diagnostic skin test: The Dick test is a specific medical skin test used historically to determine an individual's susceptibility or immunity to scarlet fever. It involves injecting a small amount of toxin from the bacteria that cause scarlet fever (Streptococcus pyogenes) into the skin.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Before the widespread use of antibiotics, the Dick test was a common procedure to assess scarlet fever risk.
- A positive Dick test reaction indicates a lack of immunity to the scarlet fever toxin.
Advanced Usage
- Historical Context: The test is named after American physicians George Frederick Dick and Gladys Henry Dick, who developed it in 1924. Its usage declined with the advent of antibiotics and modern diagnostic methods.
- Medical Interpretation: In this test, a localized red rash at the injection site after 24 hours signifies a positive result, meaning the person is susceptible to scarlet fever. No reaction indicates immunity.
Variants and Related Words
- Dick toxin (n): The specific streptococcal erythrogenic toxin used in the Dick test.
- Schultz-Charlton test (n): A related but different historical skin test used to diagnose scarlet fever by causing blanching of the rash.
Synonyms
- Scarlet fever susceptibility test: A descriptive synonym for the Dick test.
Noun
-
a skin test to determine your susceptibility to scarlet fever
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