MULTIPLE ALLERGEN TEST APPLICATOR

Abstract

The multiple allergen testing system includes an applicator and a fluid tray. The fluid tray is cooperatively engageable with the applicator. The applicator has an allergen loading position and an allergen deposition position. In the allergen loading position, a different allergen is loaded onto each respective scratching barb from each respective reservoir of the loading tray. Each scratching barb is designed to retain a trace of allergen fluid. A pair of finger grips are positioned on opposing sides of the applicator frame. The applicator fits into one hand of a medical technician administering the allergen skin testing. The applicator is removed from the fluid tray and repositioned onto the skin of the patient. The applicator is made of compressible material. In the allergen deposition position, the applicator is compressed, and each allergen is deposited into each respective scratch generated by each respective scratching barb on the skin for further analysis.

Claims

1. A multiple test applicator for administering onto the skin of a patient a first and a second allergen used in allergy skin testing, said multiple test applicator including: a first scratching barb positionable on a first applicator leg and a second scratching barb positionable on a second applicator leg, said multiple test applicator being cooperatively engageable with a fluid tray during allergen loading, said fluid tray having said first allergen retainable in a first reservoir and said second allergen retainable in a second reservoir, said first scratching barb retaining some of said first allergen when removed from said first reservoir and said second scratching barb retaining some of said second allergen when removed from said second reservoir; and means for manually repositioning said multiple test applicator by a medical technician using only one hand from said allergen loading to allergen deposition onto said skin of said patient, where said first scratching barb generates a first scratch onto said skin of said patient as a portion of said some of said first allergen is deposited into said first scratch, while said second scratching barb generates a second scratch onto said skin of said patient as a portion of said some of said second allergen is deposited into said second scratch.

2. The multiple test applicator of claim 1, wherein said means for manually repositioning of said multiple test applicator comprises a first finger grip opposing a second finger grip member disposed on a pair of side frames of said multiple test applicator.

3. The multiple test applicator of claim 2, wherein said multiple test applicator is made of a compressible material, said multiple test applicator being in an expanded position when disposed in said fluid tray, said multiple test applicator being in a compressed state when repositioned on said skin of said patient.

4. The multiple test applicator of claim 3, wherein said first and second scratching barbs project upward when compressed, said first scratching barb being sandwiched between a pair of skin lifting pads.

5. The multiple test applicator of claim 3, wherein said first and second scratching barbs project downward when compressed.

6. The multiple test applicator of claim 1, wherein said multiple test applicator is cooperatively engageable with a single test applicator and said fluid tray, said single test applicator including a single scratching barb, said single scratching barb retaining some of a third allergen when removed from a third reservoir of said fluid tray.

7. The multiple test applicator of claim 1, wherein said first scratching barb includes a first break-off section.

8. A multiple test applicator for administering onto skin a patient a first and a second allergen used in allergy skin testing, said multiple test applicator being cooperative engageable with a fluid tray during allergen loading, said multiple test applicator comprising: a first scratching barb positionable on a first applicator leg, said fluid tray having said first allergen retainable in a first reservoir, said first scratching barb retaining some of said first allergen when removed from said first reservoir; and a second scratching barb positionable on a second applicator leg, said fluid tray having said second allergen retainable in a second reservoir, said second scratching barb retaining some of said second allergen when removed from said second reservoir, said multiple test applicator being made of a compressible material, said multiple test applicator being in an expanded state during allergen loading, said multiple test applicator being in a compressed state during allergen deposition, where said first scratching barb generates a first scratch onto said skin of said patient as a portion of said some of said first allergen is deposited into said first scratch as said second scratching barb generates a second scratch onto said skin of said patient as a portion of said some of said second allergen is deposited into said second scratch.

9. The multiple test applicator of claim 8, wherein said means for manually repositioning of said multiple test applicator comprises a first finger grip opposing a second finger grip member disposed on a pair of side frames of said multiple test applicator.

10. The multiple test applicator of claim 8, wherein said first and second scratching barbs project upward when compressed, said first scratching barb being sandwiched between a pair of skin lifting pads.

11. The multiple test applicator of claim 8, wherein said first and second scratching barbs project downward when compressed.

12. The multiple test applicator of claim 10, wherein said first scratching barb includes a channel for retaining said first allergen.

13. The multiple test applicator of claim 12, wherein said first scratching barb includes a vial in said channel for retaining said first allergen.

14. The multiple test applicator of claim 8, wherein said multiple test applicator is cooperatively engageable with a single test applicator and said fluid tray, said single test applicator including a single scratching barb, said single scratching barb retaining some of a third allergen when removed from a third reservoir of said fluid tray.

15. A multiple test applicator for administering onto skin of a patient a first and a second allergen used in allergy skin testing, said multiple test applicator being cooperative engageable with a fluid tray during allergen loading, said multiple test applicator comprising: a first scratching barb positionable on a first applicator leg, said fluid tray having said first allergen retainable in a first reservoir, said first scratching barb retaining some of said first allergen when removed from said first reservoir; and a second scratching barb positionable on a second applicator leg, said fluid tray having said second allergen retainable in a second reservoir, said second scratching barb retaining some of said second allergen when removed from said second reservoir, said multiple test applicator including a pair of opposing side frames, said multiple test applicator including a first frame member and a second frame member, said first frame member opposing said second frame member, a first finger grip being disposed on said first frame member and a second finger grip being disposed on said second frame member, said first and second finger grips facilitating a repositioning of said test applicator from said fluid tray during loading to depositing position onto skin of a patient by the use of but one hand of a medical technician, where said first scratching barb generates a first scratch onto said skin of said patient as a portion of said some of said first allergen is deposited into said first scratch as said second scratching barb generates a second scratch onto said skin of said patient as a portion of said some of said second allergen is deposited into said second scratch.

16. The multiple test applicator of claim 15, wherein said first and second scratching barbs project upward when compressed, said first scratching barb being sandwiched between a pair of skin lifting pads.

17. The multiple test applicator of claim 15, wherein said first and second scratching barbs project downward when compressed.

18. The multiple test applicator of claim 16, wherein said first scratching barb includes a channel for retaining said first allergen.

19. The multiple test applicator of claim 18, wherein said first scratching barb includes a vial in said channel for retaining said first allergen.

20. The multiple test applicator of claim 15, wherein said multiple test applicator is cooperatively engageable with a single test applicator and said fluid tray, said single test applicator including a single scratching barb, said single scratching barb retaining some of a third allergen when removed from a third reservoir of said fluid tray.

21. The multiple test applicator of claim 15, further comprising a third scratching barb positionable on a third applicator leg, said fluid tray having said third allergen retainable in a third reservoir, said third scratching barb retaining some of said third allergen when removed from said third reservoir, where said third scratching barb generates a third scratch onto said skin of said patient as a portion of said some of said third allergen.

22. A multiple test applicator for administering onto skin a patient a first and a second allergen used in allergy skin testing, said multiple test applicator being cooperative engageable with a fluid tray during allergen loading, said multiple test applicator comprising: a first scratching barb positionable on a first applicator leg, said fluid tray having said first allergen retainable in a first reservoir, said first scratching barb retaining some of said first allergen when removed from said first reservoir, said first scratching barb including a first break-off section from said first applicator leg; and a second scratching barb positionable on a second applicator leg, said fluid tray having said second allergen retainable in a second reservoir, said second scratching barb retaining some of said second allergen when removed from said second reservoir, said second scratching barb including a second break-off section from said second applicator leg, said multiple test applicator including a pair of opposing side frames, said multiple test applicator including a first frame member and a second frame member, said first frame member opposing said second frame member, a first finger grip being disposed on said first frame member and a second finger grip being disposed on said second frame member, said first and second finger grips facilitating a repositioning of said test applicator from said fluid tray during loading to depositing position onto skin of a patient by the use of but one hand of a medical technician, where said first scratching barb generates a first scratch onto said skin of said patient as a portion of said some of said first allergen is deposited into said first scratch as said second scratching barb generates a second scratch onto said skin of said patient as a portion of said some of said second allergen is deposited into said second scratch.

23. The multiple test applicator of claim 22, wherein said multiple test applicator is made of a compressible material, said multiple test applicator being in an expanded position when disposed in said fluid tray, said multiple test applicator being in a compressed state when repositioned on said skin of said patient.

24. The multiple test applicator of claim 22, wherein said first and second scratching barbs project upward when compressed, said first scratching barb being sandwiched between a pair of skin lifting pads.

25. The multiple test applicator of claim 23, wherein said first and second scratching barbs project downward when compressed.

26. The multiple test applicator of claim 24, wherein said first scratching barb includes a channel for retaining said first allergen.

27. The multiple test applicator of claim 26, wherein said first scratching barb includes a vial in said channel for retaining said some of said first allergen.

28. The multiple test applicator of claim 22, wherein said multiple test applicator is cooperatively engageable with a single test applicator and said fluid tray, said single test applicator including a single scratching barb, said single scratching barb retaining some of a third allergen when removed from a third reservoir of said fluid tray.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] FIG. 1 depicts an assembly view of a first preferred embodiment of an allergy testing system comprising a first preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention having ten applicators cooperatively engaged with a fluid tray, the multiple test applicator being disposed on the fluid tray; and DETAIL “A” depicts an exploded side view of the scratching barb positioned in a reservoir of the fluid tray during allergen loading, the reservoir being partially filled with allergen.

[0033] FIG. 2 depicts the first preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] FIG. 3 depicts a detailed assembly view of the fluid tray of FIG. 1 complete with ten reservoirs.

[0035] FIG. 4 depicts the first preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention of FIG. 2 held in one hand of a medical technician, with the thumb positioned on a first finger grip on a first side frame and the index finger positioned on a second finger grip on a second side frame, the first side frame opposing the second side frame.

[0036] FIG. 5A is a front view of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 1, the multiple test applicator being in an expanded position, the scratching barbs resting upon the skin of a patient.

[0037] FIG. 5B is a front view of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 5A, the multiple test applicator now being in a compressed position, the scratching barbs resting upon the skin of a patient with each of the opposed scratching barbs disposed at two test sites of a patient, with the skin having been lifted upwards between the pair of opposed scratching barbs.

[0038] FIG. 5C is a front view of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 5B, the multiple test applicator still being in a compressed position, the scratching barbs now being raised from the skin of the patient with scratches now appearing on each side of the raised skin of the patient.

[0039] FIG. 6A is an exploded assembly view of the first preferred embodiment of the scratching barb pointed upward toward the spine of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 1, a tip break-off section is also depicted.

[0040] FIG. 6B is an exploded assembly view of a second preferred embodiment of the scratching barb pointed upward toward the spine of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 1, the scratching barb including an aperture and a channel for retaining a trace amount of the allergen, a tip break-off section is also depicted. Skin lifting pads are shown on both sides of the barb, they lift the skin and limit the depth of the scratching barb.

[0041] FIG. 6C is an exploded assembly view of a third preferred embodiment of the scratching barb pointed upward toward the spine of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 1, the scratching barb including a vial and a channel for retaining a trace amount of the allergen, a tip break-off section is also depicted. Skin lifting pads are shown on both sides of the barb, they lift the skin and limit the depth of the scratching barb.

[0042] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded side view of a pair of scratching barbs being raised upward on a portion of the skin of a patient that has been pulled together to prepare the site for a pair of scratches from the pair of scratching barbs, a pair of skin lifting pads being positioned, one on each side of each skin scratching barb, that lift the skin and limit the depth of penetration of each scratching barb.

[0043] FIG. 8 depicts an assembly view of a second preferred embodiment of an allergy testing system comprising a second preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention having nine scratching barbs, and a single test applicator with a single scratching barb, all being cooperatively engaged with ten fluid reservoirs in a fluid tray.

[0044] FIG. 9A depicts an assembly view of the single test applicator of FIG. 8, and FIG. 9B depicts an end view of the single test applicator of FIG. 8A.

[0045] FIG. 10 depicts an assembly view of a third preferred embodiment of an allergy testing system comprising of a third preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention having ten applicators cooperatively engaged with a fluid tray, the multiple test applicator being disposed on a fluid tray; and DETAIL “B” depicting an exploded side view of the scratching barb positioned in a reservoir of the fluid tray, the reservoir being partially filled with allergen.

[0046] FIG. 11 depicts the first preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention as shown in FIG. 10.

[0047] FIG. 12A is a front view of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [210] in an expanded position, with the scratching barbs, the scratching barbs now being loaded, and each include a trace of their respective allergens and are prepared for allergen deposition.

[0048] FIG. 12B is a front view of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 12A, the multiple test applicator now being in a compressed position. The scratching barbs are resting upon the skin of a patient with the each of two scratching barbs pointed downward.

[0049] FIG. 12C is a front view of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 12B, the multiple test applicator now being in an expanded position, the scratching barbs now have generated a pair of scratches at a pair of test sites as the scratching barbs move away from each other.

[0050] FIG. 13A is an exploded assembly view of the first preferred embodiment of the scratching barb pointed downward away from the spine of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 10, a tip break-off section is also depicted.

[0051] FIG. 13B is an exploded assembly view of a second preferred embodiment of the scratching barb pointed downward away from the spine of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 9, the scratching barb including an aperture and a channel for retaining a trace amount of the allergen, a tip break-off section is also depicted.

[0052] FIG. 13C is an exploded assembly view of a third preferred embodiment of the scratching barb pointed downward away from the spine of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 9, the scratching barb including a vial and a channel for retaining a trace amount of the allergen, a tip break-off section is also depicted.

DETAILED DECRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an assembly view of a first preferred embodiment of an allergy testing system [20] comprising of a first preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] having ten applicators cooperatively engaged with a fluid tray [50]. The multiple test applicator [10] is cooperatively engageable with the ten allergen reservoirs [54], each one retaining a different liquid for allergen skin testing.

[0054] The multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] has an allergen loading position and an allergen deposition position.

[0055] DETAIL “A” is an exploded side view of a scratching barb [61] positioned in a reservoir [54] of the fluid tray [50], the reservoir [50] being partially filled with allergen [57]. DETAIL “A” depicts the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] in the allergen loading position. During allergen loading, the scratching barbs [61] are dipped into the allergen [57] setting in the reservoirs [54].

[0056] FIG. 2 depicts the first preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] as shown in FIG. 1. Each of the ten scratching barbs [61] is cooperatively engageable with one of the ten reservoirs [54] of the fluid tray [50] and has a slight upward tilt.

[0057] Allergens [57] are placed into respective reservoirs in the fluid tray [50]. Care is taken to avoid using excess amounts of allergens [57] which may cause cross contamination of allergens.

[0058] The size of the reservoirs [54] and the distance between adjacent reservoirs [54] are designed to minimize any cross contamination of the allergens [57].

[0059] In the allergen loading position, a different scratching barb [61] is positioned into each respective reservoir [54] of the loading tray [50]. Each scratching barb [61] contacts a small amount of the allergen [57] in each respective reservoir [54]. Each scratching barb [61] retains a trace amount of allergen [57] in the allergen loading position which is deposited under the epidermis of the patient in the allergen deposition position.

[0060] FIG. 3 depicts a detailed assembly view of the fluid tray [50] of FIG. 1 complete with ten reservoirs [54].

[0061] The multiple test applicator is made of compressible material. The materials of choice are engineering grade polymers, since the multiple test applicator needs to be sterilized in an autoclave prior to use, the material must be stable at elevated temperatures.

[0062] FIG. 4 depicts the first preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] of FIG. 2 held in one handoff a medical technician, with the thumb positioned on a finger grip on a first side handle [30] and the index finger [35] positioned on a second finger grip [36] on a second side handle [31], the second side handle [31] opposing the first side handle [30]. The multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] is preferably sized to be held in one hand of a medical technician administering the allergen skin testing.

[0063] It is critical that the multiple test applicator [10] be held in one hand of the medical technician who is administering the test. This enables the other hand to be free to take notes, to assist the patient, or do whatever becomes else necessary during the administration of the procedure.

[0064] FIG. 5A is a front view of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] in an expanded position, with the scratching barbs [61] resting upon the skin of a patient [90]. The scratching barbs [61] each include a trace of their respective allergens and are prepared for allergen deposition.

[0065] FIG. 5B is a front view of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10]. The multiple test applicator is now being in a compressed position by use of the pair of finger grips [35 and 36]. The scratching barbs [61] are resting upon the skin of the patient [90] with the each of two scratching barbs [61] disposed about a portion of the skin of a patient [90] that has been lifted upwards [94] between the pair of opposed scratching barbs [61]. The multiple test applicator [10] is in the allergen deposition position.

[0066] FIG. 5C is a front view of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 5B. The multiple test applicator [10] is still being compressed. The scratching barbs [61] now have been raised upward from the skin of the patient [90] with a pair of scratches [61] now appearing on each side of the portion of the skin of the patient that was lifted upwards [94].

[0067] FIG. 6A is an exploded assembly view of the first preferred embodiment of the scratching barb pointed upward [61] toward the spine [21] of the multiple test applicator [10]. A barb break-off section [45] is also shown.

[0068] FIG. 6B is an exploded assembly view of a second preferred embodiment of the scratching barb pointed upward [62] toward the spine [21] of the multiple test applicator [10]. The scratching barb [62] includes an aperture and a channel for retaining a trace amount of the respective allergen [57]. A barb break-off section [45] is also shown. A pair of skin lifting pads [45] are sandwiched about each scratching barb [61]. The pair of skin lifting pads [45] lift the skin and limit the depth of the scratching barb. The pair of skin lifting pads [45] control the depth of the penetration of the scratching barbs [61] and also ensure repeatability of the testing.

[0069] FIG. 6C is an exploded assembly view of a third preferred embodiment of the scratching barb pointed upward [63] toward the spine [21] of the multiple test applicator [10]. The scratching barb includes a vial and a channel for retaining a trace amount of the respective allergen [57]. A barb break-off section [44] is also shown. A pair of skin lifting pads [45] are sandwiched about each scratching barb [61]. The pair of skin lifting pads [45] lift the skin and limit the depth of the scratching barb. The pair of skin lifting pads [45] control the depth of the penetration of the scratching barbs [61] and ensure repeatability of the testing.

[0070] FIG. 7 depicts an exploded side view of a pair of scratching barbs [61] being raised upward on a portion of the skin of a patient that has been pulled together and raised [94] to prepare the site for a pair of scratches [91] from the pair of scratching barbs. Skin lifting pads [45] are shown on both sides of the barb, they lift the skin and limit the depth of the scratching barb.

[0071] FIG. 8 depicts an assembly view of a second preferred embodiment of an allergy testing system [120] comprising a second preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [110] having nine scratching barbs, and a single test applicator [180] with a single scratching barb, all being cooperatively engaged with ten fluid reservoirs in a fluid tray [50]. The multiple test applicator of the present invention is also compatible with multiple single test applicator units [180] when aligned with a fluid tray that is properly sized with the number and alignment of fluid reservoirs (not shown).

[0072] FIG. 9A depicts an assembly view of the single test applicator [180] of FIG. 8, and FIG. 9B depicts an end view of the single test applicator [180] of FIG. 8A.

[0073] FIG. 10 depicts an assembly view of a third preferred embodiment of an allergy testing system [220] comprising of a third preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [210] having ten applicators cooperatively engaged with a fluid tray [50]. DETAIL “B” depicts an exploded side view of the scratching barb [261] positioned in a reservoir [54] of the fluid tray [50], the reservoir [54] being partially filled with allergen [57]. The scratching barbs [261] are pointed downward. DETAIL “B” depicts the multiple test applicator of the present invention [110] in the allergen loading position.

[0074] FIG. 11 depicts the first preferred embodiment of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [210].

[0075] FIG. 12A is a front view of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [210] in an expanded position, with the scratching barbs [61]. The scratching barbs [61] have been loaded and each include a trace of their respective allergens and are prepared for allergen deposition.

[0076] FIG. 12B is a front view of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 12A, the multiple test applicator now being in a compressed position. The scratching barbs [261] are resting upon the skin of a patient [90] with the each of two scratching barbs [261] pointed downward.

[0077] FIG. 12C is a front view of the multiple test applicator of FIG. 12B, the multiple test applicator now being in an expanded position. The scratching barbs [61] now have generated a pair of scratches [91] on the skin of the patient [90] at a pair of test sites as the scratching barbs [61] have separated from each other.

[0078] FIG. 13A is an exploded assembly view of the first preferred embodiment of the scratching barb [261] pointed downward away from the spine [21] of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [210]. A barb break-off section [45] also being shown.

[0079] FIG. 13B is an exploded assembly view of a second preferred embodiment of the scratching barb [262] pointed downward away from the spine [21] of the multiple test applicator [210], the scratching barb [262] including an aperture [47] and a channel [46] for retaining a trace amount of the allergen [57]. A barb break-off section [45] also being shown.

[0080] FIG. 13C is an exploded assembly view of a third preferred embodiment of the scratching barb [263] pointed downward away from the spine [21] of the multiple test applicator [210], the scratching barb [263] including a vial and a channel for retaining a trace amount of the allergen [57], a break-off section also being shown. FIG. 13C depicts the multiple test applicator of the present invention [110] in the allergen deposition position. A barb break-off section [45] also being shown.

[0081] Once allergen loading is complete, the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] is removed from the fluid tray [50] and repositioned onto the skin (i.e.—arm, back, or leg) of the patient [90].

[0082] In the allergen deposition position, the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] is compressed, and each allergen [57] is deposited into each respective scratch [91] generated by each respective scratching barb [61] on the skin of the patient [90] for further analysis as needed by the treating physician.

[0083] After the prescribed time 10-20 minutes the test operator records the skin condition with a photo of each scratch site. The Applicator includes break-off features for the arms, legs, and tips enabling more efficient disposal of the device after use with a patient. The break-off features for the tips enable this part of the applicator to be disposed of in a biohazard sharps container. The leg break-off points enable the legs to be broken off from the spine and the legs and spine to be disposed of in a separate container from the tips. The testing tray can also be disposed of in the same container. This increases the packing density of the discarded material and a much lower disposal cost.

[0084] Also, applicator [10] of the multiple allergen testing system of the present invention has the advantage of breaking the skin of the patient without downward pressure. This diminishes chances of the mast cells (histamine containing cells) releasing the histamine secondary to pressure causing a false positive. This may be a critical factor with percutaneous allergy testing.

[0085] The single and multiple allergen testing system enables testing for a single allergy or multiple allergies in the same device. The allergen testing applicator of the present invention simulates the best practice in a controlled procedure. The multi-allergen testing system is designed around a multiple allergen testing device that enables the accurate and repeatable placement of allergy testing fluid, either in a tray or on the skin of a patient. The testing procedure also controls the scratching or pricking of the skin, to introduce the allergen in a more controlled manner.

[0086] The multiple test applicator unit and the fluid tray are preferably made of engineering grade polymers that are sterilized prior to use in an autoclave, or other standard sterilization procedures. Hence, the materials preferably are made of plastics that are stable at higher temperatures. The multiple test applicator unit is depicted having ten scratching barbs. The multiple applicator unit may also have two, four, six, eight, twelve, and any of a wide variety of configurations, as needed.

[0087] It is critical during use that the allergens for the various reservoirs do not become intermixed as this contamination will affect the test results. The suggested minimum distance between two neighboring scratching barbs extending from the same side frame is preferably at least three-quarters of an inch.

[0088] It is critical that the multiple test applicator unit be held in one hand of the medical technician who is administering the test. This will enable the other hand to be free to take notes, to assist the patient, or do whatever becomes necessary during the administration of the procedure.

[0089] Accordingly, the multiple test applicator unit having ten scratching barbs as depicted is preferably about 2″ (height)×2″ (width)×5″ (length). If the multiple test applicator has eight scratching barbs (2×4), the length is preferably 3.75″ to 4.50″ in length, if the multiple test applicator has twelve scratching barbs (2×6), the length is about 5.00 to 5.50″, etc. It is to be understood that while the multiple allergen testing device of the present invention as depicted in the accompanying drawings depicts a unit with ten testing devices, one skilled in the art can readily modify this geometry to include 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, or any other combination of multiple testing devices, this disclosure is being limited to 10 for purposes of illustration only.

[0090] Allergens are inserted into containment reservoirs in the loading tray (the trays may also be preloaded). The multiple test applicator [10] is removed from its sterile package. The applicator is removed from the fluid tray [50] and placed onto the skin of the patient [90]. The testing arms are pulled toward the center of the applicator from both sides, raising up the skin of the patient. The pair of skin lifting pads [45] are sandwiched about each scratching barb [61]. The scratching barbs [61] lift the skin and limit the depth of penetration of each scratching barb [61]. From this position, the scratching barb [61] is pulled up and away from the skin of the patient [90]. This action creates a small scratch [91] on the skin of the patient [90] inserting a small amount of allergen [57] under the skin.

[0091] The multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] enables testing for multiple allergies in one device and one test procedure or one test with the single tester and one allergy testing fluid. The most consistent results have been achieved by inserting a drop of allergy testing fluid on the skin and then scratching the skin with a simple needle (best practice). The multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] duplicates the best practice but in a controlled, repeatable, and reproducible way. The system built around the devices of the present invention enables the accurate and repeatable placement of the allergy testing fluid, in a tray and transfers this fluid to the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] or the single test applicator [180], by placing the testing end of the device, into the fluid tray [50.

[0092] The multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] is removed from the fluid tray [50] and placed on the skin of the patent [90]. The testing arms are pulled toward the center of the multiple allergen testing device from both sides, lifting the skin up. From this position, the applicator [10] is pulled up and away from the skin [90]. This action generates a small scratch [91] on the skin of the patient [90] and moves a trace amount of allergen [57] under the skin of the patient [90].

[0093] The scratching barb [61] is subsequently transferred to the skin of the patient [90]. Once the scratching barb [61] of the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] is on the skin of the patient, the applicator [10] is moved in such a way, as to lift the skin in front of the scratching barb [61]. The next action is to lift the multiple test applicator of the present invention [10] perpendicular to the skin of the patient [90], causing the scratching barb [61], which is immersed in allergen [57], to scratch the skin through the epidermis in a way so not to penetrate the dermis.

[0094] After the prescribed time 10-20 minutes the test operator records the skin condition. The Applicator includes break-off features for the arms, legs, and tips enabling more efficient disposal of the device after use with a patient. The break-off features for the tips enable this part of the applicator to be disposed of in a biohazard sharps container. The leg break-off points enable the legs to be broken off from the spine and the legs and spine to be disposed of in a separate container from the tips. The testing tray can also be disposed of in the same container. This increases the packing density of the discarded material and a much lower disposal cost.

[0095] Also, the multiple test applicator of the present invention has the advantage of breaking the skin of the patient without downward pressure. This diminishes chances of the mast cells (histamine containing cells) releasing the histamine secondary to pressure causing a false positive. This may be a critical factor with percutaneous allergy testing.

[0096] Throughout this application, various Patents and Applications are referenced by number and inventor. The disclosures of these documents in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this specification in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

[0097] It is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations of the multiple allergen test applicator of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in lieu of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the metes and bounds of the present invention be determined by the appended claims rather than by the language of the above specification, and that all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which form a conjointly cooperative equivalent are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of these claims.

PARTS LIST

[0098] 10. Multiple Test Applicator—1.sup.st Embodiment

[0099] 20. Multiple Allergen Testing System—1.sup.st Embodiment

[0100] 21. Spine

[0101] 22. Spine Arm

[0102] 30. and 31. Side Frame/Handle

[0103] 32. Handle Arm

[0104] 35. and 36. Finger Grip

[0105] 44. Barb Break-Off

[0106] 45. Skin Lifting Pad

[0107] 46. Channel

[0108] 47. Aperture

[0109] 48. Vial

[0110] 50. Fluid Tray—1.sup.st Embodiment

[0111] 54. Reservoir

[0112] 57. Allergen

[0113] 61. Scratching Barb

[0114] 62. Scratching Barb

[0115] 63. Scratching Barb

[0116] 90. Skin of Patient

[0117] 91. Scratch

[0118] 94. Raised Skin

[0119] 110. Multiple Test Applicator—2.sup.nd Embodiment

[0120] 120. Multiple Allergen Testing System—2.sup.nd Embodiment

[0121] 180. Single Unit Applicator

[0122] 210. Multiple Allergen Testing System—3.sup.rd Embodiment

[0123] 220. Multiple Test Applicator—3.sup.rd Embodiment

[0124] 261. Scratching Barb

[0125] 262. Scratching Barb

[0126] 263. Scratching Barb