Pathergy Test:

Pathergy Test

The pathergy test is helpful in diagnosing Behcet's Disease although not 100% specific. It is a simple test in which the forearm is pricked with a small, sterile needle. Occurrence of a small red bump or pustule at the site of needle insertion, 1 to 2 days after the test, constitutes a positive test. Although a positive pathergy test is helpful in the diagnosis of Behçet's disease, only a minority of Behçet's patients demonstrate the pathergy phenomenon (i.e., have positive tests).