Express Practical Patch Test Certificate- Practical side only
For dermatology nurses
Created by the Occupational Dermatology Research & Education Centre, Skin Health Institute, Melbourne.
Ms Amanda Palmer, Dr Kajal Patel, Dr Jennifer Cahill & Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon
Foreword
A warm welcome and thank you for deciding to undertake further study in patch testing! This certificate is a modified, express version of the full Patch Test Certificate. This shortened version focuses only on the practical side of patch testing including applying and removing patches and diluting patient samples. This version is directed at nurses. If you require more in-depth knowledge, please progress to the complete training package for nurses and junior dermatologists. A package aimed at dermatologists and senior registrars will available in mid 2026.
We have developed this Certificate as a result of our experience and research at the Occupational Dermatology Research and Education Centre (ODREC) and the growth of Contact Allergen Bank Australia (CABA). From our point of view, patch testing is a complicated process and exposure to training remains limited but understand each dermatology practice is different with patch testing processes varying from practice to practice. We acknowledge some nurses are interested only in information about the practical side of patch testing, and have limited time, hence we have developed the Express Practical Patch Test Certificate. We hope this short, express version can help bridge the gap in patch test training, whilst still ensuring standardised patch testing across Australia.
Additionally, the Patch Test Certificate gives you an insight into ODREC and CABA – our aims, roles and mission.
Alongside the Patch Test Certificate, ODREC offers the following opportunities for education in patch testing:
Patch Test Training Days
Patch test training days are a 1 day event usually occurring the day before the Australasian College of Dermatologists Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in May each year. We cover updates in contact dermatitis with presentations from experienced patch testing dermatologists.
This date and location changes from state to state each year. For information and for registration details visit https://www.skinhealthinstitute.org.au/events or view the website of the Australasian College of Dermatologists for all event listings.
Contact Dermatitis or Occupational Dermatology Clinic Visits
These clinics are held regularly at the Skin Health Institute, Melbourne. If you are interested in attending please contact Ms. Palmer, [email protected]
We are always keen to develop the full Patch Test Certificate and express certificate to suit our users’ needs and would really appreciate your feedback in order to improve the process.
Yours Sincerely,
Associate Professor Rosemary Nixon, Dr Kajal Patel and Ms. Amanda Palmer
