Clinical investigations – Patch testing?
What is patch testing?
Patch testing is a process used to detect whether someone has allergic contact dermatitis to something they contact at work or home. During patch testing, small amounts of chemicals or things that you use at work or home are diluted and placed onto discs which are mounted on hypoallergenic tape and then placed on your back.
How many patches?
We cannot answer this as it depends on your specific situation. There are 10 discs on each patch and you may have 7-10 patches or sometimes even more.
Why my back?
Your back is flat and has lots of room to put the patches. This also gives you the opportunity to have a bath, as you must keep the patches dry during the testing. Showers must be avoided for the length of the testing.
Preparation for testing
Shower the morning of the tests, as you cannot get your back wet from the time the patches go on until the time you see the dermatologist for your third appointment.
Do not put any creams or oils on your back the morning of the testing.
If your doctor has given you cortisone or prednisolone tablets for your skin condition please call us for advice. Generally prednisolone/cortisone tablets should not be taken 48 hours before testing.
Men with hair on their backs should shave or wax it off a day or two before testing (do not use chemical hair removal products).
Appointments
Most patients have to attend 3 appointments over a 5 day period.
Appointment 1 (Wednesday morning): You will have a full consultation with the specialist dermatologist, who will decide what you need to be tested with. The clinic nurse will then make the patches up and stick them onto your back. You will need to allow 2 hours for this appointment.
Appointment 2 (Friday afternoon): The patches are removed and your back will be looked at to see if you have had an allergic reaction or ‘red spots’ showing up where the patches were. You will need to allow 2 hours for this appointment.
Appointment 3 (Monday morning): The dermatologist will have another look at your back to see if you have had any other ‘red spots’ show up where the patches were. They will then talk to you about your results, how you can manage your condition and how to look after your skin. You will need to allow 1 ½ hours for this appointment.
What does an allergic reaction look like?
Once the patches are taken off, the dermatologist looks for any red raised spots that may have appeared. These are normally smaller than a 5 cent coin and appear where the discs were placed. Sometimes people find these to be itchy.
What to bring to your appointment?
We need to test you to everything which is in contact with your damaged skin, so it’s important to bring everything with you.
Things you might bring include:
- Anything you use on your skin (bring it in its original container), even if you don’t think it is causing any problems
- Work samples – either bring them in their container if not too big, or put a small sample amount into individual screw top glass containers and label well.
- Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all products and chemicals you come into contact with in the workplace. You should be able to get these from your OHS representative, union official, supervisor or employer. It is compulsory for the workplace to provide these.
- Bring your gloves if you have hand dermatitis, or shoes and socks if your feet are affected.
Remember...
During testing, sweating must be avoided, as patches could sometimes fall off. So if you are working in a job where you get hot and sweaty, please call us for advice. Physical activity or playing sports during testing is also strongly discouraged.
How much will patch testing cost?
The cost of the consultations and patch testing is usually between $330-$430, approximately half of which can be claimed back from Medicare (or the full amount by WorkCover if appropriate).
WorkCover Claims
Please bring your claim details with you. If your skin condition is considered to be work-related an account can be sent to your employer. Please bring your employers mailing address details with you.
Pension cardholders
Pension card holders are bulk billed on presentation of pension and Medicare cards.
Upon presentation of Healthcare and Medicare cards, patients will be charged the set government scheduled fee (approximately 85% can be claimed back on Medicare).
When do I pay?
Payment in full is required on your final appointment.