Dermatology - Patch Testing
The patch test clinic is held weekly, requiring patients to attend the Outpatient Clinic, Ground floor of Glamorgan House, on three separate visits in one week.
You will attend on Monday afternoon (between 14:00 - 16:00 pm) where a doctor will see you and take a detailed history of your skin condition. The doctor then decides which patch tests need to be applied and will explain this to you. The patch test request form is then given to the clinic nurse, who will prepare and apply the tests on your back. This visit can take 30-60 minutes to complete on Monday.
You will then return on Wednesday morning (between 09:00 - 10:00 am) for removal of the patches and the doctor has a first look for any reactions on your back. Further tests may be applied on Wednesday, if the doctor thinks they are needed. This visit takes around 30 minutes.
The third and final visit is on the Friday afternoon (between 14:00 - 16:00 pm) when the doctor has a second look at your back, for reactions, and will then discuss the results with you. At this final visit, written and verbal advice will be provided about the patch test result and any reactions found. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions about your skin condition. The final visit takes around 30 minutes.
Patch Testing is performed to help diagnose a skin contact allergy (not food or hay fever allergies). Your GP or dermatologist may also refer you for patch testing if you have eczema affecting your hands, face (including eyelids), or elsewhere on your body if you are not getting better with standard treatments such as steroid creams and moisturizers.
Eczema on hands
Preparation of Patch Tests
Patches applied to the back
Allergic reactions after Patch Testing
A Consultant Dermatologist with interest in skin allergy and Specialty (training) Doctor provide this service, with a team of nurses.
Preparation and application of the patches is carried out by experienced qualified staff and auxiliary nurses trained in patch testing.
10 to 15 patients are seen in this clinic each week so expect to spend 30-60 minutes in the department on your first visit on Monday, to see both the doctor and nurses.
If you are unable to attend all 3 visits and need to cancel, please ring to inform the clinic on;
Patch Test Clinic - 02920 743181.
Please find further information below on what to expect with the procedure of patch testing.
Further Information