Swedish Multicenter Study with TRUE Test, Panel 2

Abstract

Using panel 2 of a new patch test, the TRUE Test (TT), 369 consecutive patients with contact dermatitis and 37 healthy controls were patch tested with 11 different allergens (or allergen mixes). For control, the same allergens in standard concentrations in petrolatum (except Kathon CG in water) were applied using the Finn chamber (FC) technique. The allergen doses of TT were chosen according to the results of a previous serial dilution patch-test study. In the population tested, there were reactors to all the 11 allergens or allergen mixes. The concordance of positive reactions was 60% between the TT and the FC technique, 28% were indicated only with TT and 12% only with FC. The frequency of questionable and irritant reactions was about the same for the two tests and was recorded in less than 1% of all test patches. In 2 of 37 healthy volunteers tested, late reactions after 5–7 days appeared. The study indicates that TT is a well-standardized technique and gives a good accuracy.