- Pathergy test
The pathergy test is a test used for the diagnosis of
Behçet's disease [http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Behcets_Disease/default.asp#beh_i "National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Behcet's Disease."] The arm is pricked with a small needle. The test is positive when a small red bump or pustule develops subsequently on the place of insertion. The test has a low sensitivity. Examining the patch of skin tested under the microscope reveals increased numbers ofmonocytes andneutrophils , both of which are types ofwhite blood cell s. Also, skin thickening is found. This is because of the overactivity of neutrophils, which attack the walls (endothelium ) of the smallblood vessel s.References
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