Schick test definition of Schick test in the Free Online Encyclopedia.

Schick test, diagnostic test designed to evaluate susceptibility to diphtheria diphtheria (dĭfthēr`ēə), acute contagious disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae
..... Click the link for more information. . A small amount of diphtheria toxin toxin, poison produced by living organisms. Toxins are classified as either exotoxins or endotoxins. Exotoxins are a diverse group of soluble proteins released into the surrounding tissue by living bacterial cells.
..... Click the link for more information. is injected into the skin; the injection will produce an area of redness and swelling in individuals with low levels of antibody antibody, protein produced by the immune system (see immunity ) in response to the presence in the body of antigens: foreign proteins or polysaccharides such as bacteria, bacterial toxins , viruses, or other cells or proteins.
..... Click the link for more information. (i.e., little immunity immunity, ability of an organism to resist disease by identifying and destroying foreign substances or organisms. Although all animals have some immune capabilities, little is known about nonmammalian immunity.
..... Click the link for more information. ) against the toxin. If the individual is immune to diphtheria, the antibody in the system will neutralize the toxin and no skin reaction will occur.

Schick test [′shik ‚test]

(immunology)

A skin test for determining susceptibility to diphtheria performed by the intradermal injection of diluted diphtheria toxin; a positive reaction, showing edema and scaling after 5 to 7 days, indicates lack of immunity.