Comparative multi-center study with TRUE Test and Finn Chamber Patch Test methods in eight Swedish hospitals

Abstract

292 individuals were patch tested with twelve allergens, using a new patch test technique, TRUE Test (TT). As controls, the same allergens in standard concentrations in petrolatum were applied using the Finn Chamber technique (FC). The allergen doses used in TT were chosen according to results from a previous serial dilution patch test study. There were reactors to all twelve allergens. The concordance of positive reactions between TT and FC was 78%. 10% were indicated only with TT and 12% FC only. Irritant reactions occurred in the same order of magnitude for the two tests. Weak positive, uncertain, and irritant reactions observed with the different test methods used, indicate minor errors of allergen dosage in both. The investigation indicates that the TRUE Test method is simple to handle, is well standardized and gives good accuracy with the 12 allergens investigated.