title: A new occlusive patch test system comparable to IQ and Finn chambers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A good patch test system should have good adhesion and contact, and minimal leakage; Finn and IQ patch test system have these properties but are expensive.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop a new cost-effective occlusive patch test system that had good contact with the skin and was non-irritant.
  
  
  METHODS
  The system (designated Chamber X) was fabricated using a semi-permeable tape and a flexible virgin plastic chamber. Chamber X was developed by (i) selecting adhesive tape based on its non irritancy and adhesive potential (ii) testing plastic chamber material for its skin irritancy (iii) testing the assembled system against Finn, IQ and locally available chambers for irritancy, contact, leakage and occlusivity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Chamber X showed better occlusion than IQ, Finn and locally available chambers and was comparable to, (P > 0.05) IQ and Finn in terms of irritancy, contact and leakage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results demonstrate that the Chamber X offers a cost effective patch test system comparable to IQ and Finn chambers in terms of safety, adhesion, leakage and occlusivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Research, CLAIMS Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Shaziya Z
authors.initials: SZ
authors.lastname: Sajun Merchant
authors.forename: Ashlesha D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Vaidya
authors.forename: Anjali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Salvi
authors.forename: Rajiv S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Joshi
authors.forename: Rashmikant B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Mohile
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism; D004867:Equipment Design / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007509:Irritants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends*; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D007509:Irritants