PATCH TESTING PROTOCOL

Prior to Appointment

• Stop all topical steroid application to site of patch placement 2 weeks prior to testing 

• If applicable shave upper backs and do not apply moisturizer or lotion to the area.  

• Do not go tanning for 2 weeks.

• No oral steroids within 2 weeks of testing

• OK to continue antihistamines

What to Expect at Appointments? 

• Monday - Patches will be placed by clinical staff

• Wednesday - Patches are removed and read by clinical staff

• Friday - Provider does second reading and discusses results.

Post Patch Placement

• Keep the panel and skin around the panels dry. This means no showering until after your final appointment and no physical activities that may cause sweating.

• Have a family member or other person check the site of patch placement to ensure they are still adhered to skin between Mon/Wed visits; have them re-draw with permanent marker around the patches if the marker outlines are fading at all between Wed/ Fri visits