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The "strip" patch test: results of a multicentre study towards a standardization
Heinrich Dickel1, Thomas M Bruckner, Stephan M Erdmann
1Department of Dermatology, Environmental Medicine, and Health Theory, University of Osnabrück, Sedanstr. 115, 49090 Osnabrück, Germany. hdickel@uni-osnabrueck.de
Archives of Dermatological Research
|August 5, 2004
Summary
This study developed a standardized strip patch test (SPT) procedure to improve skin penetration for diagnostic substances. The new method enhances percutaneous absorption without complex equipment, requiring further validation with allergens.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergy Testing
- Skin Physiology
Background:
- The strip patch test (SPT) enhances penetration of poorly permeable substances.
- Standardized guidelines for SPT performance are currently lacking.
- This study addresses the need for a uniform SPT procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a practical, standardized approach for the strip patch test (SPT).
- To establish a reproducible method for enhancing percutaneous penetration in patch testing.
Main Methods:
- 83 healthy volunteers underwent tape-stripping on the back.
- A specific tape-stripping technique was applied to determine critical stratum corneum depth.
- A formula was derived to calculate the optimal number of strips for individual application.
Main Results:
- The median number of strips to achieve glistening skin was 26 (A).
- The median number of strips for a twofold increase in TEWL was 11 (a).
- A correction factor (cf=0.4) was calculated to standardize the procedure.
Conclusions:
- An experimentally derived, uniform SPT procedure was established.
- The method does not require specialized equipment.
- Further validation with allergens is needed to confirm enhanced patch test sensitivity.