Illinois Barber Practice Exam

The primary tool used to perform a skin test for allergies is a cotton swab or applicator. This tool is ideal for applying allergens or extracting samples from the skin due to its precision and ease of use. Cotton swabs can be used to apply a small amount of allergen to the skin in a controlled manner, allowing for an accurate assessment of any allergic reactions.

In contrast, other tools such as scissors, fingers, or combs do not serve a purpose in testing for allergies. Scissors are typically used for cutting hair or other materials, not for application or testing purposes. Fingers can be imprecise and may introduce contaminants, leading to inaccurate results. Similarly, a comb is irrelevant as it is designed for styling hair and does not possess the necessary features to conduct a skin allergy test effectively.

Thus, the use of a cotton swab or applicator is crucial for maintaining hygiene and accuracy during allergy testing, making it the most suitable choice among the options provided.