[Atopy patch testing with aeroallergens and food].

The atopy patch test (APT), a patch test employing allergens known to elicit IgE-mediated reactions which is assessed by evaluating eczematous skin lesions after 24 h to 72 h, was developed as a diagnostic tool for characterizing patients with aeroallergen-triggered atopic eczema (AE, atopic dermatitis). Positive APT reactions are associated with allergen-specific T-cell responses. The specificity of APT is higher than the specificity of skin prick tests or RAST. More studies for the standardization of APT methods are necessary, especially with regard to food APT.