Instructions for Use

Applying the patch test haptens

When applying haptens in petrolatum, dispense a string of around 5-6 mm into the test chamber (about 25 µl).
When applying liquid haptens, apply a drop of the test solution to the filter paper in the chamber (about 25 μl). The amount should be just enough to properly moisten the filter paper.

Preloading

Most of the haptens can be preloaded on IQ Ultimate for up to two weeks. If preloading of the chamber is done for storage in the refrigerator, do not preload liquid haptens and volatile substances such as acrylates or fragrances.

Applying the patch test units on the patient

When applying the test patches on the patient, use if possible the upper part of the patients back, and avoid applying patches to the midline and the scapula. If several test series are applied, 2 horizontal rows of 4-5 units per row can be applied across the back. In some cases other areas of the body like the upper part of the arms may be used. If the patient’s skin is oily you can clean it gently with some ethanol. Unless the patient has very dry or oily skin there is no need to put on extra reinforcement tape to secure the patches. Do not put any test units under a brassiere shoulder band which can cause dislocation of the test units. Please note; press the tape with the palm of your hand for about 5 seconds. The pressure and heat will enhance adhesion. To mark on top of the thin film, please use a permanent marker. The water resistant and elastic features allow the patient to perform normal daily activities, including work, exercise and taking showers.

Precautions

The patient should not take any cortisone or medications altering the immune system during the test, avoid taking showers and avoid exposure of the back to the sunlight.

Record form

Make a record on a record form of the numbers and names of each hapten. For patch record forms, visit our website www.chemotechnique.se where forms for all series are available under the section “Patch Testing”.

Patient information sheet

Patient information sheets are available for each hapten, explaining where the substance can be found and if there are some known synonyms of the substance.Visit www.chemotechnique.se to get a free account, login, go to the specific hapten and press the -button “Patient Info” to get a printable copy.
For patent information visit www.chemotechnique.se.

Reading the results/interpretation

After about 48 hours the patch test units are removed. Visual imprints on the skin from each chamber + a slight erythema from the frames should be visible as a sign of good occlusion. Reading of the test is preferably
performed at day 3 or 4 plus at day 7 after test application for haptens that may show delayed reactions. Some clinics prefer to add an initial reading about 30 minutes after the tape units have been removed. At that point
possible skin irritation from the foam frames should have subsided in the normal case. At day 3, a weak erythema from the frames might be present in patients with sensitive skin.
Use the IQ Ultra/Ultimate Reading Plate to facilitate the reading. For the interpretation of the test result the following scheme can be used:
• IR Irritant reaction
-Discrete patchy erythema without infiltration.
• +++ Extreme positive reaction
-Coalescing vesicles
-Bullous or ulcerative reaction
• ++ Strong positive reaction
-Erythema -Infiltration
-Papules -Discrete vesicles
• + Weak positive reaction
-Erythema -Infiltration
-Papules
• ?+ Doubtful reaction
-Faint macular -No infiltration
-Homogenous erythema

 

 

 

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