Nickel Sulphate
The standard reagent used in patch testing to assess contact sensitisation to nickel, the most prevalent contact allergen globally.
Full Definition
Nickel sulphate (5% in petrolatum) is the benchmark preparation used within the European Baseline Series of patch tests to detect Type IV hypersensitivity to nickel ions. It is the allergen most frequently implicated in allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in relation to jewellery, belt buckles, and electronic devices. Editors must note the British spelling 'sulphate' versus the American 'sulfate'; house style should be applied consistently across a document. The reagent is distinct from nickel itself, and editors should avoid conflating the two when describing test components or regulatory entries.
Usage
Usage note: British English: 'sulphate'; American English: 'sulfate'. Flag discrepancies for house-style resolution. Do not abbreviate.
In Context
- "A positive reaction to nickel sulphate at 96 hours confirmed allergic contact dermatitis in the patient." — Patch test interpretation report
- "The journal follows British spelling conventions; 'nickel sulfate' was amended to 'nickel sulphate' throughout." — Copy-editing note