Frequency of false-negative reactions to the fragrance mix.
To estimate the frequency of false-negative reactions to the fragrance mix, the 8 constituents of the mix in concentrations of 5% (2% for cinnamic aldehyde) were added to the European standard series for routine testing. Patients with positive reactions to individual ingredients in the absence of a reaction to the mix were retested with serial dilutions. In a 4-month period, 677 patients were tested. 61 (9%) reacted to the mix and to 1 or more of the ingredients. 4 patients (0.6% of all patients tested and 6.2% of the patients allergic to fragrances) had false-negative reactions to the mix. They were allergic to cinnamic alcohol, geraniol, isoeugenol and oak moss (1 reaction each), in the absence of a reaction to the fragrance mix. It is concluded that the currently used concentration of the mix (8 x 1%) not infrequently results in false-negative reactions, and that further research should be done to overcome this problem.
de Groot
A C
AC
Department of Dermatology, Carolus Hospital, BD 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
van der Kley
A M
AM
Bruynzeel
D P
DP
Meinardi
M M
MM
Smeenk
G
G
van Joost
T
T
Pavel
S
S
D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010328:Patch Tests; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects*
D010476:Perfume