Computerized measurement of allergen-induced skin reactions. 1982

D R Ownby

The areas of 50 randomly chosen skin-test reactions were measured with a graphics tablet interfaced to a microcomputer. The computer-determined areas were compared with the sums and products of orthogonal diameters, the maximum diameter, and the actual areas of the reactions. The areas measured by the computer were highly correlated with the actual areas (r = 0.999). Both the sums and products of orthogonal diameters were also highly correlated with the actual areas (r = 0.953 and r = 0.988, respectively) and added little to the correlation of the maximum diameter (r = 0.923). The average coefficient of variation for repeated computer area measurements was 5.3%. Area and maximum diameter measurements were then compared in a study designed to evaluate the variation of prick tests applied by different persons. Area measurements revealed significant differences between the testers, which were not found when maximum diameter measurements were compared. Computerized area determination is a rapid, accurate means for quantitating skin-test reactions. The precision offered by this method is of potential importance for studies involving quantitative skin testing.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D003201 Computers Programmable electronic devices designed to accept data, perform prescribed mathematical and logical operations at high speed, and display the results of these operations. Calculators, Programmable,Computer Hardware,Computers, Digital,Hardware, Computer,Calculator, Programmable,Computer,Computer, Digital,Digital Computer,Digital Computers,Programmable Calculator,Programmable Calculators
D006255 Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal Allergic rhinitis that occurs at the same time every year. It is characterized by acute CONJUNCTIVITIS with lacrimation and ITCHING, and regarded as an allergic condition triggered by specific ALLERGENS. Hay Fever,Pollen Allergy,Pollinosis,Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis,Hayfever,Allergic Rhinitides, Seasonal,Allergic Rhinitis, Seasonal,Allergies, Pollen,Allergy, Pollen,Fever, Hay,Pollen Allergies,Pollinoses,Rhinitides, Seasonal Allergic,Rhinitis, Seasonal Allergic,Seasonal Allergic Rhinitides
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000485 Allergens Antigen-type substances that produce immediate hypersensitivity (HYPERSENSITIVITY, IMMEDIATE). Allergen
D000704 Analysis of Variance A statistical technique that isolates and assesses the contributions of categorical independent variables to variation in the mean of a continuous dependent variable. ANOVA,Analysis, Variance,Variance Analysis,Analyses, Variance,Variance Analyses
D012882 Skin Tests Epicutaneous or intradermal application of a sensitizer for demonstration of either delayed or immediate hypersensitivity. Used in diagnosis of hypersensitivity or as a test for cellular immunity. Skin Test,Test, Skin,Tests, Skin

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