McClure-Aldrich Trial

McClure-Aldrich test: what is it and how is it used in medicine?

The McClure-Aldrich test, also known as the blister test, hydrophilic test or simply Aldrich test, is a diagnostic tool in medicine. The test was developed by American physician William McClure and pediatrician Charles Aldrich in the early 20th century and is used to determine skin sensitivity to diphtheria toxin.

The test is performed by injecting a small amount of diphtheria toxin under the patient's skin, usually on the forearm. If the patient has antibodies against the toxin, a bubble or blister will form at the injection site. This indicates that the body has defense mechanisms against diphtheria toxin.

The McClure-Aldrich test is an important tool for diagnosing diphtheria, an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Diphtheria can lead to serious complications such as paralysis of the respiratory muscles and heart muscle, so accurate diagnosis and treatment are important aspects of controlling this disease.

Although the McClure-Aldrich test is considered a reliable method for diphtheria diagnosis, it can give false-positive or false-negative results. In addition, the test may cause some unpleasant side effects, such as skin irritation and soreness at the injection site.

Overall, the McClure-Aldrich test is an important tool for diagnosing diphtheria and other infectious diseases. However, as with any medical test, test results should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings.

The McClure Aldrich test is a type of skin test, like an allergy test. Skin tests are quite common in allergy testing. The procedure is carried out to determine the patient's sensitization to a specific allergen. A blister with a small affected area is used. The drug is located near the skin. Upon contact with an allergen, a reaction occurs in the form of a blister. The reaction comes faster.