An article reviewed the laboratory′s role in identifying the causes of chemical-induced allergic dermatitis. Notable findings were:

• Validated rapid and sensitive laboratory-based analyses are available that facilitate the screening of chemicals that harbor sensitization potential.
• Laboratory analyses can identify skin sensitization hazards of chemical allergens.
• The instability of patch test reagents could render false-negative results. Storage of such reagents at lower temperatures can decrease allergen loss and improve the sensitivity of these reagents.
• Reliable chemical spot tests that confirm the specificity of a patch test are rare––as to whether the allergens triggering a reaction in a patch test is the causative agent for allergic contact dermatitis.
• Although laboratory-based chemical allergen identification can confirm the allergen, their accessibility is limited and these techniques can be complex and expensive.

Source: Chipinda I, Anderson SE, Siegel PD. Laboratory techniques for identifying causes of allergic dermatitis. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2021;41(3):423-38.