Biomedical subjects
G Valeur
Publications and source records attributed to G Valeur.
Patch test reactivity to nickel alloys.
11 widely used nickel alloys were investigated with respect to corrosion stability and reactivity in nickel-sensitive individuals. Alloys with a nickel release in synthetic sweat exceeding 1 microgram/cm2/week gave a strong patch test reaction in nickel-sensitive persons; those with a release below 0.5 microgram/cm2/week showed weak reactivity with one exception. Nickel allergy is a health problem. It may be minimized by using nickel alloys with a corrosion level below 0.5 microgram/cm2/week. Action should be taken by dermatologists, industry and authorities to solve this neglected problem.
Tin: an overlooked contact sensitizer?
Patch tests with metallic tin in 73 nickel-sensitive patients revealed 6 positive allergic reactions. Only 4 doubtful reactions were seen, which makes irritancy unlikely. The relevance and clinical significance of the unexpected finding deserves further evaluation.
Evaluation of the dimethylglyoxime stick test for the detection of nickel.
The value of the dimethylglyoxime stick test for the detection of nickel was determined for 54 randomly purchased metal objects designed for prolonged skin contact, and for 15 metal alloys of known composition. Surface nickel content was determined by EDAX analysis (energy dispersive X-ray) and nickel release in synthetic sweat was measured by Zeemann atomic absorption spectrometry. The study confirmed that the dimethylglyoxime stick test will identify most nickel containing alloys. There are, however, important exceptions. In such cases provocative user tests or patch tests with the suspected alloy are indicated.