Reproducibility of patch tests.
Patch tests with a series of 39 substances were performed in 41 patients on one side of the upper aspect of the back. Testing was repeated on the contralateral side of the back 1 week later (sequential testing). In 35 other patients, duplicate patch test series were simultaneously applied on both sides of the back (concomitant testing). If a positive reaction to a test substance was obtained at only one side of the back, the result was regarded as nonreproducible. Of all positive reactions, 40.0% were nonreproducible at sequential testing and 43.8% were nonreproducible at concomitant testing. Weakly positive reactions were far more often nonreproducible than stronger reactions.
Gollhausen
R
R
Dermatologische Klinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Federal Republic of Germany.
Przybilla
B
B
Ring
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012882:Skin Tests