Diagnostic Tests and Procedures

Allergy skin test

A skin test used to identify allergies by scratching the forearm with tiny needles and applying various substances to the skin, such as pollen, mold, dust mites, pet dander, and food chemicals.

Intradermal skin test

A skin test where different substances are injected into the skin to test for allergic reactions.

Biopsy

The removal of a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination.

Excisional biopsy

Surgical removal of an entire lesion or tumor.

Incisional biopsy

An incision made into the tissue to remove a small piece of living tissue for microscopic examination.

Exfoliative cytology

A biopsy procedure where living tissue is scraped for microscopic analysis for bacteria, and may also be used to check for fungal infection.

Needle biopsy

A biopsy procedure where a hollow needle is used to remove a core sample of tissue for microscopic examination.

Punch biopsy

A biopsy done with a small, circular blade that rotates through the layers of skin to produce a cylindrical core of tissue.