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A spot test for detection of cobalt release – early experience and findings
Author(s) -
Thyssen Jacob P.,
Menné Torkil,
Johansen Jeanne D.,
Lidén Carola,
Julander Anneli,
Møller Per,
Jellesen Morten S.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01749.x
Subject(s) - test (biology) , cobalt , medicine , chemistry , biology , organic chemistry , paleontology
Background: It is often difficult to establish clinical relevance of metal exposure in cobalt‐allergic patients. Dermatologists and patients may incorrectly assume that many metallic items release cobalt at levels that may cause cobalt dermatitis. Cobalt‐allergic patients may be unaware that they are exposed to cobalt from handling work items, causing hand dermatitis. Objectives: To present early findings with a newly developed cobalt spot test. Methods and Results: A cobalt spot test based on disodium‐1‐nitroso‐2‐naphthol‐3,6‐disulfonate was able to identify cobalt release at 8.3 ppm. The test may also be used as a gel test if combined with an agar preparation. We found no false‐positive reactions when testing metals and alloys known not to contain cobalt. However, one cobalt‐containing alloy, which elicited cobalt dermatitis in cobalt‐allergic patients, was negative upon cobalt gel testing. Conclusions: The cobalt test detects amounts of cobalt release that approximate the elicitation concentration seen in cobalt‐allergic patients. It may serve as a useful tool in dermatology offices and workplaces.