A new device for delayed hypersensitivity skin testing.

A new device for assessment of delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity using seven standardized antigens (Multitest CMI) was compared to conventional intradermal testing with two recall antigens in 83 patients referred for nutritional support. Sixteen patients (19.3%) were anergic to Multitest CMI while four (4.8%) were anergic to conventional testing. Patients anergic to Multitest CMI had a higher complication (intraabdominal abscess, prolonged ileus, sepsis, pneumonia) than those who were immunocompetent by this test suggesting a group at greater risk. This interpretation is consistent with an increased specificity of Multitest CMI over conventional testing in the identification of clinically important anergy.