Background: Patch testing is the criterion standard for diagnosis and management of allergic contact dermatitis. Limitations on the number of allergens tested can negatively impact patient care.
Objective: This study reports clinical practice patterns of American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) members.
Methods: In October and November 2018, the US-based members of the ACDS received an electronic survey regarding their procedures and experiences with patch testing. We evaluated the type of practice, number of patients tested, type of screening and supplemental series, number of allergens tested, and billing and reimbursement concerns.
Results: There were 149 respondents; 62% use ACDS Core 80, 70% "sometimes" or "always" test with supplemental series, and 70% "sometimes" or "always" test patient products. Participants estimated that supplemental series identify relevant allergens 35% of the time. Approximately 66% most commonly test more than 81 allergens per patient, and 78% expressed concerns regarding fair reimbursement.
Conclusions: Most ACDS members routinely test more than 81 allergens per patient. Barriers to fair payment for beyond a fixed number of patches at any one visit may impede the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis, prolong suffering, and worsen outcomes.