Journal article
A spot test for detection of cobalt release – early experience and findings
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.
Language: | English |
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Year: | 2010 |
Pages: | 63-69 |
ISSN: | 16000536 , 13966669 and 01051873 |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1111/j.1600-0536.2010.01749.x |
ORCIDs: | Jellesen, Morten Stendahl |