Proposal for a revised international standard series of patch tests

Abstract

Worldwide, there are 3 major standard series of patch tests, the European, North American and Japanese, together presenting 32 allergens, the differences between them being the result of regional variation in allergen distribution as well as differences in dermatological opinion. We propose a 'minimal' international standard series of 20 allergens, together with an 'extended' international standard series of 14 allergens.