Final answer:
A medical assistant should administer allergen extracts during a skin test and monitor for a wheal and flare response, which indicates a type I hypersensitivity. Avoidance of allergy medications prior to the test is critical for accurate results. The severity of the reaction is diagnosed by the size of the wheal and flare, potentially leading to further testing and treatment recommendations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing an allergen skin test, a medical assistant should carefully introduce the allergen extracts into the patient's epidermis to observe for a wheal and flare response. This reaction consists of a soft, pale swelling surrounded by a red area, indicative of a type I hypersensitivity reaction. It is important to avoid allergy medications prior to testing, as they can interfere with the results. After applying the allergens, the test sites should be observed for 15-20 minutes to assess for the wheal-flare response.
Positive results will require documentation of the size of the wheal and flare, which aids in assessing the severity of the allergic response. Additional tests, such as measuring serum IgE levels, may be advised by an allergist to further confirm the diagnosis. In case the results indicate an allergy, avoiding the identified allergens is the primary treatment, alongside possible medical interventions to address symptoms.