Any way to check?

[Xenomantis]

I've been wanting to aquire a 'beginners' scorpion (probably an emperor) sometime next year but my dad is totally against it. His main argument is that I may be allergic to the venom and suffer symptoms such as shock and suffocation if accidently stung. I do admit, this is a genuine concern considering the history of venom allergies on both sides of my family.

Is there anyway I could do a safe test, such as a special request to the local clinic? Sort of a variation on the 'scratch test'?

Just wondering if there was anyway to find out. Any insight or experience you may have would be appreciated.

 

[Asa]

Generally they don't give out those sorts of tests. You could check if they do but...

The only arguement I'd have for your dad, is that you're not going to be handling him so...

 

[Xenomantis]

The only arguement I'd have for your dad, is that you're not going to be handling him so...

:lol: I know, I've told him that before. But, then he points out how I usually get bitten or pinched anyway. Once my mantis suddenly ran up the tongs I was using to try and get her to take a mealworm from and attacked my fingers. All I was doing was holding the wriggling worm about an inch and a half from her and trying not to move the tongs too much. :shock: (It was the first day I had her and she was still really wild. She's calmed down now that she realizes that she finds more food in her terrarium than she probably did outside)

He's just stubborn. Mom thinks I'd be fine, but he only looks at what could go wrong... He's a pessimist to the core. :roll:

 

[thebugwife]

I am allergic to everything! Don't hold it!

We have 3000ish inverts in the house and I hold only a few.

There are no test for scorpions or tarantulas etc....they do have a test for bees however, the do scratch or Radioallergosorbent Test (they take blood an look for antibodies). You should have one of these done, it dosn't tell you if you will react to a scorpion sting but it will tell you whether you need to have a insect sting treatment kit, i.e. Anakit or Epipen around just in case.

I am very careful I handle some tarantulas, mantis, roaches and some millipedes. I never hold scorpions, centipedes or true spiders, and I have yet to be stung, or bit.

Gloves and long thongs are good practices also.

emperor scorpions are not very aggressive and a good pick if you are worried about any of the above.