Patch testing remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis. Patches used in testing consist of a wide spectrum of allergens, with variability in the stability of products over time. Due to limited allergen stability, careful storage and preparation is needed to prevent product degradation over time. Expiration dates are provided by manufacturers to ensure stability and reactivity, while minimizing the risk of product degradation contributing to inaccurate testing results. Preparation of patch series can be time intensive and procurement of allergens comes with an associated economic burden. Expired allergens are not routinely used in patch testing, however many clinics have expired allergens accessible. There is paucity of evidence comparing the reactivity of expired vs non-expired patch series. If expired allergens remain effective, this could result in significant cost-savings and accessibility implications for dermatology practice.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
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A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Patch Testing Response (Positive/Negative) Concordance Rate (%) Between Non-Expired and Expired Allergens
Timeframe: Standard patch test series are applied on Day 0. Participant removal of patches on Day 2 and self photos taken and sent to Dermatologist for virtual reading. Final reading completed in clinic by Dermatologist on Day 4 or 5, recording reaction scores.