Patch test-relevant concentrations of metal salts cause localized cytotoxicity, including apoptosis, in skin ex vivo.

Background: Metal alloys containing contact sensitizers (nickel, palladium, titanium) are extensively used in medical devices, in particular dentistry and orthopaedic surgery. The skin patch test is used to test for metal allergy.

Objective: To determine whether metal salts, when applied to freshly excised skin at patch test-relevant concentrations and using a method which mimics skin patch testing, cause in changes in the epidermis and dermis.

Assessment of metal sensitizer potency with the reconstructed human epidermis IL-18 assay.

According to the new EU Medical Devices (MDR) legislation coming into effect in 2017, manufactures will have to comply with higher standards of quality and safety for medical devices in order to meet common safety concerns regarding such products. Metal alloys are extensively used in dentistry and medicine (e.g.