The Patch Test and the Element of Syringe Contamination

In a previous communication, 1 it was pointed out that the percutaneous or patch test showed greater promise than either the intradermal or the scratch method in testing patients for hypersensitiveness to the arsphenamines. A review of the literature at that time showed that the intradermal test was not without danger. The skin of both man and animals has been sensitized to the arsphenamines by intradermal injection of the drug. Sensitization of normal skin does not occur with the patch test. This paper includes a report of eight cases of arsphenamine dermatitis in which the patch test was successfully used as a guide to further treatment with the arsphenamines. All eight patients gave evidence of cutaneous intolerance to the arsphenamines, manifested by arsphenamine dermatitis. Several papers have appeared in the American literature on this subject recently. Chargin, Sulzberger and Crowley 2 reported positive reactions with the patch test in patients