In vivo testing of the protective efficacy of gloves against allergen-containing products using an open chamber system

In vitro degradation and permeation testing of glove materials is important in the assessment of the protective efficacy against chemicals. In vivo fa ctors, such as skin-glove contact, skin temperature and humidity may, howev er, influence the protective effect of the glove. These factors must thus b e considered in the overall assessment of a protective glove. An in vivo gl ove test should as far as possible imitate the practical use of the glove, as well as the exposure to the product/chemical against which the glove sho uld protect. An open chamber system for human in vivo glove testing is pres ented. This system enables simultaneous testing of 6-8 gloves with 3 provoc ation times for each glove. Positive controls (no glove) can be included. A s a control of the subject's present reactivity to the chemical of interest , conventional patch testing with a dilution series can be performed in par allel. The method is easy to use and convenient for the patient. It promise s to be a useful clinical tool in individual preventive measures against co ntact allergy. The method can be used in glove testing against many hazardo us chemicals, both contact allergens and toxic/irritant compounds in workpl aces such as the plastics industry and the chemical industry.