The term histoplasma skin test refers to a test where fungal exposure is checked. In particular, it is the Histoplasma capsulatum exposure which is looked at. This particular fungus is responsible for an infection which is termed as histoplasmosis. For this reason, some people refer to the test as the histoplasmosis skin test.
As mentioned earlier, the histoplasma skin test is one which is used in the detection of fungal infection. The Histoplasma capsulatum fungus is the one that this test looks for. Histoplasmosis is observed across the globe and the way in which it attacks the body is via your lungs. This mode of infection makes the fungal infection rather easy to fall prey to. This fungus is one that is seen in the soil, where it is referred to as mold. You get this histoplasmosis when you breathe in the particles which happen to be airborne.
The chances of histoplasma are likely to increase when the soil is subject to rat or bird droppings. However, when it comes to testing for this fungal infection, one has to understand that there are no particular symptoms observed. Rather, when patients do appear to have symptoms, they usually come in with symptoms that resemble other lung disorders as well as certain symptoms resembling the flu. Specific symptoms of such histoplasmosis would be contingent upon the nature of the disease such as mouth sores and fever in the case of disseminated histoplasmosis. Thus, this is a test which would be subject to a doctor’s recommendation and would depend upon the nature of symptoms and probability of histoplasmosis. However, one should know that since there are different kinds of tests available, the use of the histoplasma skin test is limited.
You will find that in most situations, there is no requirement for any specific forms of preparation for such a test.
After the usual cleaning of the skin, you will find that the health care practitioner will then inject a dose of allergen. This is done just beneath the surface of the skin, such that a reaction may be observed. There are two separate occasions, within the first two days wherein the site will be examined to look for signs of a reaction. This typically takes the form of an inflammation so it is easily visible. It must be cautioned that in rare instances, it may take as long as four days for any such signs to appear. If there is no reaction, it typically means that you have not had exposure to this particular fungal problem.