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The importance of a dedicated patch test clinic
P Ormond1, E Hazelwood, B Bourke
1Department of Dermatology, South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Old Blackrock Road, Cork, Ireland.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|March 21, 2002
Summary
A new specialist patch test clinic significantly increased the detection of allergic contact dermatitis. Expanded allergen testing and patient product analysis were key factors in identifying more cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Clinical Immunology
Background:
- A specialist patch test clinic was established in April 1997.
- The clinic expanded its allergen battery from six to 21 and introduced patient-specific product testing.
- Prick testing for latex hypersensitivity was also incorporated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of the new specialist clinic on diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis.
- To compare diagnostic yields before and after the clinic's implementation.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective comparison of patch test results from 1996 (pre-clinic) and 1998 (post-clinic).
- Analysis included the number of patients tested, positive patch test results, identified allergens, and reactions to personal products.
- Latex hypersensitivity was assessed using prick testing.
Main Results:
- The number of patients with positive patch tests increased significantly from 31/91 in 1996 to 84/158 in 1998 (P = 0.0036).
- The number of identified allergens rose from 18 to 53, and positive reactions to personal products increased from 2 to 12 (P = 0.04).
- Three cases of latex hypersensitivity were detected in 1998.
Conclusions:
- Establishing a specialist patch test clinic led to a higher detection rate of allergic contact dermatitis.
- The expanded range of allergen testing and routine analysis of patients' own products were crucial for improved diagnosis.