Reliability of patch testing for metal hypersensitivity-stability of metal ions and solution pH-

Abstract

An epicutaneous patch testing has been conventionally used to demonstrate hypersensitivity reaction to metals. In the present study, we evaluated the stability of metal ions in solution used for patch testing. It was demonstrated that palladium ions are hydrolysed to produce hydroxide with lowering the pH of the solution from 7 to 2. These results suggest that the stabolity of metal ions ant its relation to pH of the test solution used for patch testing is one of the most important factor to improve reliability of an epicutaneous patch testing.