Get Me Great Skin!  
 



Adult Dermatology
Pediatric Dermatology
Laser Procedures
Cosmetic Procedures
Plastic Surgery
Skin Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment
Aesthetician Services
PATIENT CORNER
 
Play video
 
 
HOME ABOUT US OUR LOCATIONS OUR DOCTORS OUR DRS. IN THE NEWS MONTHLY SPECIALS EMPLOYMENT CONTACT US
Patch Test
 

What is a Patch Test?
The Patch Test is a reliable allergen patch skin test designed to help your doctor determine whether or not you are allergic to any substances included on the test panel.

It is a unique, direct "in vivo" test independent of any laboratory procedure. High reliability is achieved through use of highly purified, standard test substances.

Chemotechnique Diagnostics offers the widest range of commercially available allergens for patch testing covering more than 350 different allergens.

How long will I wear the TEST PATCH?
Your doctor will ask you to return after the panels have been on your back for a minimum of 48 hours.

Are there activities I should avoid while the TEST PATCH is on my back?
Just a few: When bathing or showering, you must be careful not to get the test panel or surrounding area wet. If the test panel does become wet, it may loosen, allowing the test substances or marking ink to be washed away.

For the same reason, any activity that may cause you to sweat or cause the test panel to loosen, such as sun bathing or exercising, should also be avoided.

If for any reason an area of the test panel does become loose, you should immediately reattach it with a hypoallergenic adhesive tape.

When will my results be read?
The date and time of your next visit have been noted elsewhere on this leaflet or on an appointment card. It is very important that you keep this appointment. Since a reaction to any of the test substances will continue to develop even after the panels are removed, your doctor will determine how long you should wait before your next appointment.

What is the doctor looking for?
At each of your next appointments, your doctor will carefully examine the test area for signs of an allergic reaction. This reaction usually consists of rash with swelling, redness, and tiny blisters. Redness alone, however does not necessarily mean that you have had an allergic reaction.

What should I do if the Test Area itches or burns?
Itching and burning sensations are common with patch testing. If itching and burning sensations become severe, you should contact your doctor.

Try not to scratch the test area. If you do, the skin may become irritated and itch even more. Skin that has become red and irritated by scratching will make it difficult by your physician to interpret the result of the test.

What is the next step if the test shows that I am allergic to one or more of the substances?
If you are allergic, your doctor will provide information on where in your everyday surroundings you are likely to come in contact with the substances to which you are allergic.

Your doctor will also tell you how best to avoid these substances and possibly suggest alternatives to them.

What does a negative test result mean?
The PATCH TEST is designed to identify the most common allergens that cause allergic contact dermatitis. A negative test result will minimize the need to restrict your use of products that contains these allergens.

Furthermore, a negative result provides valuable information that will help your doctor diagnose your condition and initiate treatment.

The following is a partial list of allergens tested by our LAB:
Benzocaine 5% pet
2-Mercaptobenzothiazole 1% pet
Colophony 20% pet
4-paraphenylenediamine 1% pet
Imidazolidinylurea 2% pet
Cinnamic aldehyde 1% pet
Amerchol L 101 50% pet
Carba Mix 3% pet
Neomycin sulfate 20% pet
Thiuram Mix 1% pet
Disperse Red 171% pet
Ethylenediamine dihydrocloride 1% pet
Epoxy resin 1% pet
Quarternium-15 2% pet
4-tert-butylphenoIformaIdehyde resin 1% pet
Mercapto mix 1% pet
N-isopropyl-N-phenyl-4-phenyl 0.1% pet
Potassium dichromate 0.25% pet
Balsam of Peru 25%
Nickelsulfate hexahydrate 2.5% pet
2.5-Diazolidinylurea 1% pet
Tocopherol pet
Bacitracin 20% pet
DiphenyIthiourea 1% pet
Disperse Orange 1% pet
Parabens mix 12% pet
Euxyl K400 2.5% pet
Fragrance mix 8% pet
Glutaraldehyde 0.5% pet
2-bromo-2-nitropropane 0.5% pet
Sesguiterpenelactone mix 0.1% pet
Thimerisal 0.1% pet
Disperse Red 1% pet
2hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone 3% pet
2-chloro-3,5-xylenol 1% pet
Ethyleneurea, meIamine formaldehyde 5% pet
2-tert-butvl-4-methoxyphenol 2% pet
Goldsodiumthiosulfate 0.5% pet
Ethyl acrylate 0.1% pet
Glyceryl thioglycolatete 1% pet
Tosylsulfonamideformaldehyde resin 10% pet
Methyl methacrylate 2% pet
Cobalt chloride hexahydrate 1% pet
Tixocortal-21-pivolate 1% pet
Budesonide 0.1% pet
Chloroxylenol 0.5% pet
Triethanoamine 2% pet
Cetyl/stearyl alcohol 5% pet
Tea tree oil 5% pet
Disperse Blue 124 1% pet
Disperse Yellow 1 % pet
Benzyl salicylate 2% pet
4-Aminoazobenzene .25% pet
Isoeugenol 2% pet
Eugenol 2% pet
DMDM hydantoin 1% pet
Ylang vlang oil 2% pet
Benzyl alcohol 1% pet
Isopropyl myristate 20% pet
Triclosan 2% pet
Diphenylguanidine 1% pet
Polysorbate 5% pet
Dibutylthiourea 1 %
I 2-N-octyl-4-isothiazolin 0.1% pet
I 2-N-octyl-4-isothiazolin 0.1% pet
Benzalkonium chloride 0.1% aq
Cocamidopropyl betaine 1% aq
Formaldehyde 1% aq
Kathon CC 0.1% aq
Proplyene glycol 30% aq
 

Related Resources & Links
 
Related Topics & Our Doctors in the News

Our Patient Education Library (www.DrSkinInfo.Org/AdvancedD)

 
^top