Dansyl Chloride: II. Effects of Anatomical Site and Patch Testing Time

Dansyl chloride, which fluoresces when illuminated by long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light, and which binds avidly with amino groups, has become an increasingly useful tool in the study of cutaneous function and cutaneous toxicology. A group of 12 human subjects were patch tested on the deltoid area and the forearms with dansyl chloride for periods of 14 and 24 hr. Four of the subjects were also tested on their faces. The 14-hr patch testing period was found equivalent to the 24-hr period. Half the subject population evinced unity between anatomical sites for 14-hr patching. Shortening the patch test periods can expand the potential subject population and reduce potential dermatotoxicity.