Anesthetics. No. 4 (Articaine, Lidocaine, Mepivacaine, Procaine)

Local anesthetics are used to reduce or eliminate pain during dental, surgical, dermatological, and other medical procedures. Some people may experience adverse reactions after their use, so if there is a relevant history, the doctor may prescribe an allergy test.

Anesthetics No. 4 — a panel including four drugs: articaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine, and procaine. The study allows you to assess the body's reaction to these substances and can be part of a comprehensive examination if hypersensitivity to local anesthetics is suspected.

What anesthetics are included in the panel?

Articaine — a local anesthetic that is widely used, particularly during dental procedures.

Lidocaine — one of the most well-known local anesthetics, used in various fields of medicine.

Mepivacaine — a local anesthetic used for regional and local anesthesia.

Procaine — an ester-type local anesthetic, which can also be included in an allergy test.

When is research recommended?

The test may be appropriate if, after previous administration of a local anesthetic, the following occurred:

• skin rash or itching;
• redness;
• swelling of the lips, face, or other areas;
• feeling short of breath;
• difficulty breathing;
• severe dizziness or weakness;
• other unusual symptoms after anesthesia.

The study may also be considered before an upcoming dental or surgical procedure if there is a history of suspected reaction to local anesthetic.

Not every reaction to an anesthetic is an allergy

Symptoms that occur after the administration of an anesthetic are not always indicative of an allergic reaction. For example, fear of the procedure, pain, a sharp drop in blood pressure, or a vasovagal reaction can cause weakness, dizziness, sweating, or a brief loss of consciousness.

Adverse reactions may also be related to the pharmacological action of the drug or to other components of a particular anesthetic.

Therefore, it is important to consider name of the drug, its composition, dose, route of administration and time of onset of symptoms.

What does the analysis show?

The study helps to assess possible sensitization to articaine, lidocaine, mepivacaine and procaine.

The results should not be considered in isolation. For a correct assessment, the doctor takes into account the nature of the previous reaction, the time of its occurrence, concomitant diseases and the results of other allergy tests.

If necessary, the doctor may recommend additional examination by an allergist to determine a safe option for local anesthesia.

Preparation for analysis

To donate venous blood, it is advisable to:

• avoid significant physical exertion the day before;
• do not drink alcohol;
• before the study, adhere to the usual drinking regimen;
• Sit quietly for a few minutes immediately before blood collection;
• If the laboratory recommends fasting, follow the appropriate requirements.

You do not need to cancel medications on your own. If the patient regularly takes medications, they should be reported to the doctor.

What is important to tell the doctor?

If the test is ordered after a previous reaction to an anesthetic, it is advisable to provide as much information as possible:

• the name of the anesthetic;
• approximate dose;
• when the drug was administered;
• how long did the symptoms last?;
• what exactly the manifestations occurred;
• which drugs were used simultaneously.

This information helps the doctor correctly evaluate the results of the study.

Recommendations before dental or surgical intervention

If you have previously had a suspected or severe reaction to anesthesia, Be sure to inform your doctor or dentist about this before the procedure..

You should not choose an anesthetic based on the results of a laboratory test. The choice of drug should be made by a doctor, taking into account the results of the examination and the history of previous reactions.

Biomaterial

Venous blood.

Interpretation of results

The result is evaluated taking into account clinical symptoms and the patient's history. A positive or negative laboratory result alone should not be used as the sole basis for establishing or ruling out allergy to a local anesthetic.

The final assessment of the results and the need for further examination is determined by an allergist or other appropriate specialist.