Comparative analysis of Indian standard series from two different companies

Abstract

Introduction: Patch testing is the commonest investigation used in patients with contact dermatitis. Various series are available for the purpose of patch testing. The commonest series used in India is the Indian standard series (ISS). Aim: To compare the results of ISS from two different companies Methodology: Patients subject to patch test with ISS in the years 2009 and 2010 were included in the study. Patients in 2009 and 2010 were patch tested with ISS from company A (Systopic, India) and B (Chemotechnique, Sweeden) respectively. Patch test was removed at the end of 48 hours and readings were taken as per ICDRG at 48 and 72 hours. Results: 134 and 144 patients were patch tested in 2009 and 2010 respectively. In both years 71 patients showed positive patch test readings. The commonest allergens detected in company A were fragrance mix, paraphenylene diamine (PPD) and balsam of Peru whereas in company B they were potassium dichromate, fragrance mix and nickel. Conclusion: Simultaneous application of both sets of ISS on the back of the patient will help in validating the results of this study.

Keywords

• Patch test
• Indian Standard Series