Evaluation of a contact allergy clinic

This study aims to assess the value of patch testing in a specialist contac t allergy clinic as compared to testing carried out by general dermatologis t for the diagnosis of contact allergy. One hundred consecutive patients re ferred for patch testing were tested to the European standard and specializ ed series. A comparison was made between patch tests read and interpreted b y a consultant dermatologist with an interest in contact allergic dermatiti s and by an experienced registrar who had not yet received any formalized s pecialized training. Results of testing with additional allergens acquired following the establishment of the specialist clinic were examined. In addi tion patients with a hand problem and/or symptoms suggestive of contact urt icaria underwent skin prick testing. There was a variation in patch test re ading and interpretation between the consultant and registrar in 10 patient s. Patch testing using allergens from the additional series revealed additi onal relevant contact allergies in 19 patients. In 14 patients, allergies w ould have been missed by a limited additional series. Contact urticaria was detected in seven patients. This study has confirmed the value of a specia list contact clinic in the diagnosis of contact allergy. The importance of formalized training in patch test reading and interpretation, testing with additional series and prick testing for the diagnosis of contact urticaria are highlighted.