Understanding Sensitization Testing
Sensitization is the allergic response caused by the activation of complex cellular and humoral immunological mechanisms following exposure to an allergenic substance. Sensitization can occur after either single or multiple exposures. Typically, the allergen is capable of penetrating the skin and biochemically reacts with proteins, thereby becoming proallergenic.
The purpose of sensitization tests is in-vivo assays used to assess the allergic or sensitizing capacity to the repeated or prolonged exposure of a test article. Sensitization is characterized by the fact that reactions are delayed, and a localized reaction to a systemic condition .
Testing categories and specifications
| Test Name | Sample Needed | Turn-Around Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kligman Guinea Pig Maximization Test (GPMT) | 1 Extract: 360 cm² < 0.5 mm thick, 180 cm² ≥0.5 mm thick, or 12 g 2 Extracts: 720 cm² < 0.5 mm thick, 360 cm² ≥ 0.5 mm thick, or 24 g Direct Exposure: 12 g | 7-9 weeks |
| Buehler Sensitization | Direct Exposure: 120 pieces of 2.5 cm x 2.5 cm patches each, or 17 g | 7-9 weeks |
| Murine Local Lymph Node Assay | 1 Extract: 120 cm² < 0.5 mm thick, 60 cm² ≥ 0.5 mm thick, or 4 g 2 Extracts: 240 cm² < 0.5 mm thick, 120 cm² ≥ 0.5 mm thick, or 8 g | 4-5 weeks |