Frei Skin Test for Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Norm of Frei Skin Test for Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Negative.
Usage of Frei Skin Test for Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Aids in the diagnosis of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV).
Description of Frei Skin Test for Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Lymphogranuloma venereum is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia trachomatis of immunotypes L1-L3, resulting in suppurative inguinal adenitis several days to several weeks after exposure. The most common mode of transmission is through sexual contact. The Frei test is not diagnostically specific. Clients with the disease become positive at about 3 weeks after the initial infection.
Professional Considerations of Frei Skin Test for Lymphogranuloma Venereum
Consent form NOT required.
Risks
Allergic reaction to LGV injection; infection.
Contraindications
Previous allergy to chicken eggs.
Preparation
- Obtain a 4-mL syringe with a needle and LGV antigen for intradermal injection.
Procedure
- Inject intradermally 0.1 mL of heat-inactivated, egg-grown LGV.
- Inject a control substance made from a normal yolk sac at another intradermal site.
- Read the skin test in 48–72 hours. The test is positive if the test site has a raised papular area larger than 6 × 6 mm and the control site reaction is smaller than 5 × 5 mm.
Postprocedure Care
- List the injection site location on the client's record.
Client and Family Teaching
- Results will be available in 48–72 hours.
Factors That Affect Results
- Chlamydia infections that share the same group antigen will produce a positive Frei test.
Other Data
- Licensed Frei test antigens are not available commercially in the United States.
- Clients testing positive will always test positive on any future Frei tests.
- Delayed positive reactions are possible for several days.
