Adult Patch Testing FAQ
What is patch testing?
Patch testing looks for allergies to chemicals or materials that are applied to or come into contact with your skin. It can also evaluate allergies to chemicals associated with implanted medical devices or materials, such as diabetic devices, orthopedic implants, or cardiac materials.
Patch testing does not test for environmental allergies, such as cats, dogs, trees, or grass, and it does not test for food allergies.
Who will perform my patch testing?
Dr. Amber Atwater is the dermatologist physician who will perform your patch testing.
How many appointments are needed?
Adult patch testing usually takes place over 4 days and follows either a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Monday schedule or a Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, Tuesday schedule. With the Wednesday, Friday, Sunday, Tuesday schedule, someone at home will need to remove the patches on Sunday.
What do I need to do during testing?
Your back must remain completely dry for the entire patch-testing period. Please avoid sports, physical therapy, heavy sweating, and activities that could stretch or loosen the tape on your back.
You should also avoid procedures and activities such as MRIs, minor surgical procedures, and flights during the testing period. Please consider your work, travel, medical appointments, exercise, and other scheduled activities when choosing a time for testing.
What should I bring to my appointments?
You may want to bring something to help keep yourself comfortable and occupied, such as a book, tablet, phone, or another activity you enjoy.
Do I need to bring my personal care products?
Yes. Please bring your personal care products to both your first and last patch-testing visits. These products may help us identify potential sources of contact allergies. We will provide more information about which products to bring when you call to schedule your appointment.
How do I schedule patch testing?
Please call our office at 703-570-1192 to schedule patch testing. Because patch testing requires multiple appointments over several days, these appointments cannot be scheduled through our online appointment system or Zocdoc. Our scheduling team will help you find appointment dates that work for your schedule and provide additional information about what to expect.
Our goal is to make patch testing as comfortable and straightforward as possible. We will review the process with you and provide additional instructions during your appointments.