About Contact Allergen Bank Australia
Contact Allergen Bank Australia (CABA) is an initiative to assist dermatologists to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). It is based on an idea which originated in Denmark and involves the preparation of individualised patch tests which are sent out to dermatology practices to apply. CABA offers an alternative patch testing service to traditional patch testing and also to the less comprehensive option of True Test®.
Aims of CABA:
- To provide Australian dermatologists, particularly those in regional and rural areas access to comprehensive patch testing resources, available in a timely manner
- To improve the prognosis of contact dermatitis through identification of relevant skin allergens
- To enable dermatologists to develop experience and expertise in contact dermatitis
- To collect patch testing data at a national level
Benefits of CABA
- Allows patients in rural and remote areas the opportunity to have patch testing performed
- More comprehensive than True Test°
- Easy access to over 400 allergens
- Quick time frame for allergen to be dispatched, compared to lengthy waiting lists in some patch testing clinics
- Access to expert advice – via phone or email
- To enable dermatologists to develop experience and expertise in contact dermatitis, without the costs of purchasing allergens
How to register for CABA
Dermatologists that are interested in patch testing need to register for CABA. This can be done by downloading a registration form from our website or by emailing [email protected]
Once details have been received, the dermatologist will be set up with access to PatchCams©, with a password and user-code being sent out via auto-generated email.
This password is a temporary and should be changed the first time you access PatchCams©
How the CABA process works
Once registered, dermatologists select the patch test series that they would like to test on a particular patient and order the allergens. The patch tests are then prepared and sent via courier to the dermatologist, together with a test sheet and invoice.
Timeline for an allergen order
Please give one week’s notice when lodging an order. However, orders can be prepared urgently if required. We mail orders on Monday and Wednesdays. If you need an order urgently, please call SHI on +61 3 9623 9402. Please ensure orders are received by lunchtime at the latest. When ordering allergens please specify what date you plan on using the patch tests, so they can be prepared and sent accordingly. If ordering online, please ensure the ‘Date required’ box is completed. Orders are mailed out as close to the time of patch testing as possible. We recommend that testing occurs within 10 days of preparation. Expiry dates are being applied to the patches to ensure all are used in a timely manner.
Storage of patches
Store patches in the fridge or in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.
What to order:
We recommend that all patients are tested with the Australian Baseline Series. This series contains the most common causes of ACD in Australia, and contains a wide range of allergens. In addition, we recommend to add series/ allergens that are relevant to the patients’ rash or occupation. We have almost 50 additional series that you can choose from (see Additionial series attachment). The cost of allergens from CABA are available on PatchCams© and by performing a quote on this website.
Dermatologists using CABA pass the costs onto the patient, taking into consideration the Medicare item numbers currently available. Some clinics require patients to pay a deposit when the allergen order is lodged, to cover the doctors’ costs should the patient cancel or not turn up to the appointment despite the allergens already being supplied.
Videos to watch:
