Artikain

The articaine test is a laboratory investigation used to assess sensitivity or allergic reactions to articaine, a local anesthetic commonly used in dentistry and oral surgery. The test is performed for preventive purposes, prior to drug administration, in order to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

The Role 

• Identification of a possible hypersensitivity or allergy to articaine
• Increasing patient safety before procedures requiring local anesthesia
• Supporting the physician’s decision in selecting an alternative anesthetic, if necessary

Indications

• History of allergic reactions to local anesthetics
• Previous unexplained adverse reactions during medical or dental procedures
• Patients with a known allergic background (multiple allergies, asthma, allergic dermatitis)
• Need to document tolerance to articaine prior to a medical procedure

The test does not involve direct administration of articaine to the patient and does not replace skin testing, which must be performed in a specialized clinical setting.

Interpretation of results

• Negative result: no immunological sensitization to articaine is detected; the risk of an allergic reaction is low (but not completely excluded)

• Positive result: suggests a possible allergy or sensitization to articaine; avoidance of use and allergy specialist consultation are recommended

Advantages

• Safe method, with no risk of acute allergic reactions
• Useful as a screening tool prior to anesthetic administration
• Helps prevent severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis

Limitations

• A negative result does not completely exclude the possibility of an adverse reaction
• Results must be interpreted in clinical context, by a physician