title: Frequency of false-negative reactions to the fragrance mix.
abstract: 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.
authors: Department of Dermatology, Carolus Hospital, BD 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands.
authors: A C
authors: AC
authors: de Groot
authors: A M
authors: AM
authors: van der Kley
authors: D P
authors: DP
authors: Bruynzeel
authors: M M
authors: MM
authors: Meinardi
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Smeenk
authors: T
authors: T
authors: van Joost
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Pavel
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D010476:Perfume