Changing trends and allergens in the patch test standard series: a mayo clinic 5-year retrospective review, january 1, 2001, through december 31, 2005.
OBJECTIVE
To present and interpret results of patch testing with the Mayo Clinic standard series over 5 years.


METHODS
Retrospective study. A standardized patch testing technique was used. Data were recorded on a standardized computer program from January 1, 2001, to December 31, 2005, and analyzed.


METHODS
Tertiary referral center.


METHODS
Patients who were referred for patch testing.


METHODS
Patch testing with the "standard series," ie, a standard series of allergens used by most clinicians to identify the most common offending allergens in patients with allergic contact dermatitis.


METHODS
Number of patients patch tested, allergens used over this period, and rates of allergic patch test reactions to allergens.


RESULTS
A total of 3854 patients (mean age, 55.1 years; age range, 6.2-99.4 years; 2576 female [66.8%]) were tested. All dermatologists in the department performed patch testing. The mean number of allergens included was 69.3 (range, 6-87). There were 2664 patients with at least 1 positive reaction (69.1%) and 1933 with 2 or more positive reactions (50.2%). Metals, fragrances, topical antibiotics, preservatives, and individual allergens used in hair-care products, topical corticosteroids, glues, plastics, and rubber were still the most common allergen groups associated with allergic patch test reactions.


CONCLUSIONS
We describe the structure of the patch testing service at our referral center. Ongoing analysis of our patch test reaction rates allows us to recommend broad, clinically relevant, and up-to-date allergens for testing.
Davis
Mark D P
MD
Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. davis.mark2@mayo.edu
Scalf
Leigh Ann
LA
Yiannias
James A
JA
Cheng
Janet F
JF
El-Azhary
Rokea A
RA
Rohlinger
Audrey L
AL
Farmer
Sara A
SA
Fett
Debra D
DD
Johnson
Janis S
JS
Linehan
Diane L Nordberg
DL
Richardson
Donna M
DM
Schroeter
Arnold L
AL
Connolly
Suzanne M
SM
D000046:Academic Medical Centers; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000485:Allergens; D002648:Child; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends*; D011336:Probability; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D017678:Sex Distribution
D000485:Allergens