Patch contact tests – European standard

Patch tests (European Standard Series) help detect contact allergy to substances you come into contact with every day – at work and at home. The examination is safe, non-invasive and allows you to find out what to avoid to reduce symptoms of skin allergy.

What is Patch tests – European Standard Series

Patch tests are an examination that checks whether your skin reacts allergically to selected substances (contact allergens). Special patches with a ready set of allergens compliant with the European standard are applied to the skin, usually on the back. After a specific time, a doctor or nurse assesses the skin reaction and, based on this, confirms or rules out contact allergy.

Who is it for

• People with recurrent skin lesions such as redness, itching, small blisters or skin peeling.
• People whose skin changes appear after contact with cosmetics, cleaning agents, jewellery, metals, rubber, latex or topical medicines.
• Patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis (e.g. on hands, face, eyelids, neck or trunk).
• People who often work with irritating or allergenic substances (e.g. hairdressers, cosmetologists, healthcare workers, household chemistry workers).

How to prepare for the examination

• 1–2 weeks before the test, if possible, consult your doctor about limiting or stopping strong anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g. oral steroids) – they may affect the result.
• For 3–7 days before the test, avoid using steroid creams or ointments on the skin of your back.
• On the day of the test, the skin on your back should be clean, dry and free of creams, lotions, self-tanners and other cosmetics.
• For a few days before the examination, do not use a solarium and do not sunbathe your back.
• Wear comfortable clothing, preferably a loose cotton T-shirt, to avoid rubbing the patches.
• Prepare a list of medicines you take and cosmetics or chemicals you use – this may be helpful when interpreting the result.

How the examination is performed

• During the first visit, the specialist will take a detailed history and examine your skin.
• Patches with a standardized panel of allergens (European Standard Series) are applied to the cleansed skin of your back. The procedure is painless.
• The patches remain on the skin for about 48 hours – during this time you must not remove or move them.
• While wearing the patches, you should avoid wetting your back (baths, shower, swimming pool) and heavy sweating.
• After 48 hours you return for a follow-up visit, during which the staff removes the patches and assesses the initial skin reaction.
• In most cases another follow-up after the next 24–48 hours is needed to confirm the result (delayed reading).

Additional information

• Patch tests are a safe examination; the allergic reaction appears only at the contact site with the allergen and usually disappears on its own after a few days.
• While the patches are on, you may feel itching or mild burning – do not scratch the skin and do not remove the patches.
• After the examination, redness may persist on the skin; if needed, the doctor will recommend an appropriate soothing product.
• If you experience severe pain, extensive blistering, fever or feeling unwell while wearing the patches, contact a doctor as soon as possible.
• The examination helps to select appropriate prevention and treatment, so you can more effectively avoid contact with allergens and reduce the risk of recurrence of skin lesions.

How to use the offer

• To schedule an appointment for the purchased examination, please contact  at (22) 566 22 22.