All important terms at a glance

the allergen extract droplet or the original allergen carrier is put on the skin and scratched with a blood lancet. Today, this test method is usually replaced by skin-prick-test.

the first stage of allergy, when you become sensitised to a pollen allergen. You do not suffer, but antibodies are increasingly present. Further contacts lead to symptoms in most cases, but you may be sensitised without outbreak of clincial symptoms.

a droplet of allergen extract is put on the skin of the inner side of your forearm and slightly pricked with a lancet or needle.

an immunoglobuline, produced by cells of the immune system, specific to a particular allergen.

areas close to but north of the Mediterranean.