Synonym(s)
Breakdown picutaneous test; Corneal layer tear-off test; Horny layer stripping method; Strip patch test ("SPT")
HistoryThis section has been translated automatically.
Spier and Natzel, 1953; Standardization by Dickel, 2004 (on behalf of the German Contact Allergy Group)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Modification of the epicutaneous test. By mechanically reducing the thickness of the stratum corneum an improved epicutaneous testing of poorly permeable substances can be achieved.
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
- Application among others for:
- Evidence of a persistent clinical suspicion of contact allergy in case of a negative epicutaneous test
- Creation of contact conditions that are more appropriate for exposure
- Testing of poorly permeable test substances
- Evidence of a low degree of sensitisation.
- The tear-off epicutaneous test is performed on the upper eczema-free back. Body hair is first removed with a 3M Clipper. Each tape tear-off is performed with a 3M Blenderm adhesive strip (width: 25 mm) by applying a light, grazing pressure through the fingers for about 2 sec. Afterwards it is pulled off in a fluid movement in the direction of the adhesive at an acute angle (45°). After each individual tear-off, a new adhesive strip is used on the same test area.
- On an outer upper half of the spine, adhesive tape is first torn off in an area measuring approximately 50×25 mm until the glossy layer becomes visible (≥ 3 glossy dots; individual reference/end point). The required number of tape breaks is then multiplied by the tape-specific correction factor cf = 11/26 ≈ 0,42 The calculated number of tears is then used to perform the adhesive tape tear-offs for the tear-off epicutaneous test, offset contralateral and/or lateral to the spinal column. Subsequently, the epicutaneous patch with the test substances is applied there and left under 24-hour occlusion. The readings are taken as for the conventional epicutaneous test.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Dickel H, Bruckner TM, Erdmann SM, Fluhr JW, Frog PJ, Grabbe J, Löffler H, Merk HF, Pirker C, Schwanitz HJ, Weisshaar E, Brasch J (2004) The "strip" patch test: results of a multicentre study towards a standardization. Arch Dermatol Res 296: 212-219
- Dickel H, Geier J, Kuss O, Altmeyer P (2008) Strip patch test vs. conventional patch test to detect type IV sensitization in patients with allergic contact dermatitis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 22: 1516-1517
- Dickel H, Kamphowe J, Geier J, Altmeyer P, Kuss O (2009) Strip patch test vs. conventional patch test: investigation of dose-dependent test sensitivities in nickel- and chromium-sensitive subjects. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 23: 1018-1025
- Dickel H, Scola N, Altmeyer P (2009) The tear-off epicutaneous test - indication in occupational dermatology on the basis of a case study. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges (Epub ahead of print):DOI: 10.1111/j.1610-0387.2009.07124.x
- Spier HW, Natzel R (1953) Chromate allergy and cement eczema. Commercial dermatological and analytical contribution. Dermatologist 4: 63-65
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer