Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
11:54
Absorption of Nasal and Bronchial Fluids: Precision Sampling of the Human Respiratory Mucosa and Laboratory Processing of Samples
Published on: January 21, 2018
Occupational IgE-mediated rhinitis caused by ninhydrin
M Hytönen1, K P Martimo, T Estlander
1Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
Allergy
|February 1, 1996
Summary
Ninhydrin, a chemical reagent, caused allergic rhinitis in a lab technician. This case highlights ninhydrin as a potential cause of IgE-mediated allergy, a finding not previously reported.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Allergology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Ninhydrin is a widely used laboratory reagent for detecting amino and carboxyl groups in proteins and peptides.
- Occupational exposure to laboratory chemicals can lead to various health issues, including allergic reactions.
Observation:
- A laboratory technician presented with rhinitis symptoms after handling ninhydrin-soaked papers.
- Clinical investigations included skin prick tests and RAST (Radioallergosorbent test) for ninhydrin.
Findings:
- Skin prick tests and RAST for ninhydrin were positive, indicating sensitization.
- An inhalation provocation test confirmed an immediate nasal allergic response to ninhydrin.
- Elevated specific IgE antibodies to ninhydrin and RAST inhibition tests confirmed an IgE-mediated type I allergic reaction.
Implications:
- This case report identifies ninhydrin as a potential allergen causing IgE-mediated allergic reactions.
- Awareness of ninhydrin allergy is crucial for occupational health and safety in laboratory settings.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the prevalence and mechanisms of ninhydrin allergy.
