Test Methods for Contact Sensitization

Predictive tests for the evaluation of skin sensitizing effects of chemicals have existed for nearly 50 years. The Draize test (Draize et al. 1944) was the first test which was included in a guideline (Draize 1959). The test was designed to screen out potent sensitizers. Negative results with known human sensitizers, such as benzocaine, neomycin or nickel sulfate (Magnusson and Kligman 1969) were the main reasons to develop other protocols.