Patch testing in a British district general hospital

The results of patch testing in 753 patients attending a dermatology clinic in a British district general hospital over the period 1993-96 are presented. The frequency of positive reactions, and of the relative frequency of common allergens is broadly comparable to series published from specialist contact clinics. This study suggests that nonspecialist dermatology clinics can carry out routine patch testing adequately, although there are likely to be a number of cases which will require review in a specialist clinic or specialist advice.