Allergy Patch Testing
What conditions is Patch Testing used for?
Patch Testing is used specifically to test for allergic triggers in a condition called Contact Dermatitis.
Patch testing is not used to test for food allergy or inhalant allergies. These are tested for using skin prick allergy testing.
What does Patch Testing test for?
Patch testing tests for the common chemicals and substances in our daily environment and workplaces that most frequently cause skin reactions. Often these substances cause a delayed allergic skin responses that takes several days to develop.
- General patch testing includes over 36 fragrances, cosmetics, rubbers, dyes, metals, lanolin and adhesives.
- Specific series are carried out where particular types of chemicals are suspected such as hairdressing series, nail series, cosmetic series, orthopaedic / dental metal series.
Medical Prosthesis and Implants
General patch tests include some metals commonly found in medical prosthesis and implants such as Cobalt Chloride, Chromium, Gold sodium thiosulfate and Nickel (orthodontics).
Specific orthopaedic / dental metal series include the above metals and also all other common metals.
Patch Testing at Allergy Ireland
All Patch Testing at Allergy Ireland's clinic in Dublin is immediately followed by a consultation with one of our allergy doctors who will accurately interpret the results and tailor a management plan.
How is Patch Testing performed?
Patch strips are applied directly to the skin on the back and they are left in place for 3 days. During the period the patch test area must be kept dry. The area may become somewhat itchy but tolerability is rarely an issue. The patch tests are then removed and the skin is immediately examined by one of our allergy doctors who will interpret the results in the context of the clinical history to allow the appropriate management plan to be put in place.
- Application (Day 1): Small, safe amounts of potential allergens are applied to the back using specialised hypoallergenic chambers.
- First Reading (Day 3): The patches are removed by one of our doctors to check for early localised skin reactions.
- Final Reading (Day 5): Our doctors review the test area again to check for delayed reactions.