Thoughts on sensitizers in a standard patch test series. The European Society of Contact Dermatitis.
Patch testing is the predominant method of establishing contact allergy. The present patch test technique is the result of a continuous process of development and improvement since its first application in the late 19th century. The perfect patch test should give no false-positive and no false-negative reactions. The ideal patch test should also cause as few adverse reactions as possible, particularly no patch test sensitization. Even though the history and examination of a patient with suspected allergic contact dermatitis will give clues to possible sensitizers, it is not sufficient to patch test only with initially suspected sensitizers; unsuspected sensitizers used for patch testing frequently turn out to be the real cause of the dermatitis. Fortunately, a small number of substances are considered to account for the majority of delayed hypersensitivity reactions. Therefore, generally 20-25 test preparations consisting of chemically defined compounds, mixes of allergens, and natural and synthetic compounds, are grouped into a standard test series. The requirements to be fulfilled by a sensitizer in a standard patch test series are discussed in this article. A procedure of investigations is proposed before a sensitizer is included in a standard series.
Bruze
M
M
Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
Condé-Salazar
L
L
Goossens
A
A
Kanerva
L
L
White
I R
IR
D000485:Allergens; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D000485:Allergens