Definition

Noun: A diagnostic skin test used to determine an individual's susceptibility or immunity to diphtheria. A small amount of diluted diphtheria toxin is injected into the skin; the reaction (or lack thereof) indicates whether the person has sufficient antibodies to fight the infection.

Usage

The term is used specifically in medical and historical contexts to refer to this immunological procedure. * The pediatrician ordered a Schick test to check the child's immunity status before school enrollment. * Widespread use of the Schick test helped identify non-immune individuals in the pre-vaccination era.

Advanced Usage

• The test result is described as Schick-positive (indicating susceptibility, with a local red reaction) or Schick-negative (indicating immunity, with no reaction).

Variants and Related Words

• Schick test is a proper noun, often capitalized. The related adjective is Schick.
• Skin test: A broader category of diagnostic procedures that includes the Schick test.
• Immunity test: A general term for any test measuring immune response.

Synonyms

• Diphtheria immunity test
• Diphtheria skin test

Different Meanings

This term has no other common meanings outside its specific medical definition.

Noun

1. a skin test for immunity to diphtheria