Skin testing in the assessment of cell-mediated immunity.

Cell-mediated immunity may be assessed by measuring the response to subcutaneous injection of a battery of recall antigens. The finding of cutaneous anergy (the failure to respond to testing) is strong evidence of either major pathology or a significant immunosuppressive event. A protocol for skin testing is presented together with some preliminary results, including normal values for a New Zealand population. Consideration of its adoption is urged.