Ex Vivo Diagnostic Tests

Skin Patch Tests

Mekos TRUE Test^® (Thin-Layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous Test) is a Skin Patch Test used on intact, unbroken skin to identify common allergens that cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis.

The identification of the allergens actually causing the symptoms of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Eczema and Dermatitis of the face or flexures or trunk or hands, or elsewhere) is an important pre-requisite step in order to try to avoid those allergens, and so reduce or eliminate the exposure to the substance that is stimulating the person and so causing those symptoms.

Whilst treatment with steroids and other medications may suppress the symptoms temporarily or during an acute phase, the long term treatment for ACD is removal of the allergen causing the problem, or at least reduction in exposure. This obviously requires a careful identification of the problem allergen(s).

The allergens that are most usually implicated in  Allergic Contact Dermatitis are contact allergens such as Nickel, Chemicals, Leather, Paints, Perfumes, Dyes, Drugs, etc.

The European Standard Panel of Patch Test Allergens comprises 24 different allergens, which are routinely tested for on most suspected ACD patients. Many Dermatologists in private practice and some hospital practices only test for these Standard Panel allergens, and if further testing is required then the patient is referred to a local hospital Dermatology Patch Test Clinic.

If further individual problem contact allergens are suspected, then these may be tested for in addition to the Standard Series. These can be individual suspected allergens or can be series of allergens. There are Occupational Series of potential contact allergens in various working environments (e.g. Hairdressing) or series of related allergens (e.g. Dental materials, Preservatives, etc). In addition, on occasion, the actual suspected chemicals or substances from the patient's environment or workplace may be used in the testing process.

Patch Tests are performed by trained Nurses, Dermatologists and Allergists in Dermatology or Allergy Clinics and some Doctors Rooms.

The essential difference between Mekos TRUE Test and other Patch Test systems is that TRUE Test comprises 2 Panels of 24 allergens, and these are at optimal concentrations, with no preparation required, ready to use, and easy to apply.

A supplementary 3rd Panel of an additional 5 allergens (Steroid Drugs and Preservatives) may also be used.

The above images show increasing degrees of positivity of TRUE Test reactions.

For further information on Mekos TRUE Test see the website of the manufacturer at www.mekos.dk  or  www.truetest.com.