Patch testing study
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Practitioners using the TRUE Test as sole screening method for patch test allergens may receive false-negative reactions to fragrance mix, as well as to balsam of Peru and rubber additives thiuram and carba mixes, North American Contact Dermatitis Group reports in August Journal of American Academy of Dermatology. As result, relevant fragrance allergy may be missed in some patients with chronic contact dermatitis, researchers conclude. Study conducted on 318 patients from July 1996 through June 1998 found discrepancy in results from Finn Chamber and TRUE patch tests. Finn Chambers test picked up 67% of fragrance, while TRUE test was positive in only 50% of cases, group maintains. TRUE patch test is most commonly used screening patch test of allergens in the U.S., study says