Author: Glossary

  • Latex allergy

    An immune reaction resulting from contact with products derived from the rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis, or the chemicals added to latex during the manufacturing process. Latex antigens can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled. The allergic reaction may be relatively mild (marked by rashes or reddened skin) or more severe (rhinitis, hives, bronchospasm, or…

  • Contact allergy

    A type IV hypersensitivity reaction following direct contact with an allergen, most frequently involving the skin.  

  • Allergoid

    A chemically altered allergen used in immunotherapy to induce tolerance to an antigen. Allergoids differ from the allergens they derive from in that they produce an IgG antibody response stronger than an IgE (hypersensitivity) response.  

  • Polymerized allergen

    A chemically altered allergen made into a macromolecule, used in immunotherapy to stimulate a blocking antibody response stronger than the allergen’s normal allergic response.  

  • Allen cognitive level screen

    A standardized method of assessing information processing based on a theory that postulates six levels of cognitive function. It is used widely by occupational therapists.  

  • Allelozyme

    An enzyme that has multiple genetic variants (i.e., one that has small substitutions in its genetic coding and protein structure). Also known as allozyme.  

  • Prothrombin 2021 OA Allele

    A guanine-to-adenine substitution at nucleotide 20210 in the prothrombin gene that increases the risk for venous clotting. The gene is usually found in people of European ancestry.  

  • Histocompatibility Allele

    Any of many different forms of the histocompatibility gene. Each allele creates specific antigenic markers on the surface of cells.  

  • Allantochorion

    Fusion of the allantois and chorion into one structure.  

  • Allachesthesia

    Perception of tactile sensation as being remote from the actual point of stimulation.